Eyebrow dandruff can have various causes that can affect how it’s treated. You can usually manage it with over-the-counter products, but some causes may require medical treatment.
Dandruff is a chronic condition that usually develops on the scalp and causes flaking skin. It’s common and can sometimes occur in places other than the scalp, like the eyebrows. You can usually treat it with home remedies and over-the-counter products.
Eyebrow dandruff can happen to anyone, at any age, from babies (in whom it’s commonly called “cradle cap”) to older adults. It usually happens after puberty in areas of skin where there are a lot of oil-producing glands, which is why you’ll often see dandruff on the head or face (eyebrows).
Keep reading to learn more about what causes it, how to treat it, and tips to prevent it from coming back.
Eyebrow dandruff and facial dandruff in general can have multiple causes, including:
Seborrheic dermatitis
A common cause of dandruff, whether on the scalp or eyebrows, is seborrheic dermatitis. This can be a chronic condition in adults, and it’s the same condition that causes cradle cap in babies. It causes:
- a skin rash
- greasy and irritated skin
- crusty, whitish scales
Malassezia fungus
Malassezia is a fungus in oily skin secretions that can cause dandruff. It is also associated with eczema (a chronic condition that causes dry, itchy, scaly, or painful skin lesions), seborrheic dermatitis, and other skin conditions. It can also cause:
- itching
- inflammation
- discoloration
- irritation
Contact dermatitis
If you develop eyebrow dandruff after using a new face wash or shampoo, it might be caused by contact dermatitis, a skin reaction caused by allergens or irritants.
Contact dermatitis can cause a red, itchy rash and scaly, flaky skin. If you know the skin on your face has come into contact with a new substance, such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, or perfume, you might want to try another product to avoid any adverse reactions.
Eyebrow dandruff looks like flaky, dead skin in the eyebrow area. It may also cause other symptoms, like skin discoloration.
Eyebrow dandruff symptoms are similar to general dandruff symptoms and can include:
- discolored, flaky pieces of skin
- itchy eyebrows
- discolored, irritated patches of skin
It can also occur with a rash, depending on the underlying cause of the eyebrow dandruff.
You might notice a scaly appearance around areas of your eyebrows, and even areas that look a bit oily.
Treatment options for eyebrow dandruff vary based on the cause.
Sometimes what works for one person might not work for another, so don’t get discouraged if one treatment doesn’t seem to be working well for you.
You can try a variety of at-home treatments. But if they don’t work to clear your eyebrow dandruff, a doctor, such as a dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in skin health), can recommend additional treatments.
To treat seborrheic dermatitis
Treatment for seborrheic dermatitis typically involves an over-the-counter (OTC) topical antifungal cream, a medicated dandruff shampoo, or both.
To use a dandruff shampoo on your eyebrows eyebrow dandruff, first work it into a lather on your hands and then rub it on your brows when you’re in the shower. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing.
Be careful not to get either product in your eyes.
While using anti-dandruff products, take precautions to protect your skin from the sun. Some of these products can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun.
If these OTC products don’t help your symptoms, a doctor may recommend prescription topical treatments.
Seborrheic dermatitis is sometimes worsened by cold and dry weather or stress. Avoiding these triggers may reduce symptoms. For instance:
- Try moisturizing your skin often when the weather is cold and dry.
- Avoid exposing your eyebrow skin to cold wind by wearing a hat.
- If you feel stressed, consider stress management techniques, like mindfulness practices, exercise, or journaling.
To treat Malassezia
Treatment for Malassezia usually involves:
- anti-dandruff shampoo, such as those containing selenium sulfide, like Selsun Blue, or ketoconazole, like Nizoral
- anti-itch cream
- moisturizers
If symptoms don’t get better, it’s best to talk with a dermatologist. Stronger ketoconazole shampoos are typically only available with a doctor’s prescription.
When treating eyebrow dandruff from Malassezia, just make sure the products you use are not overly drying. Drying out the skin around your eyebrows can lead to increased flakiness.
Some people use diluted tea tree oil as a natural remedy for dandruff, and
Tea tree oil has antifungal properties, and its effectiveness in treating dandruff has actually been studied. One older 2002 study
Some people use tea tree oil for dandruff by purchasing topical products containing 5% tree oil and rubbing it into the affected area every other day or so. As symptoms improve, they typically use it less often, eventually using it only once or twice a week to keep symptoms from returning.
However, essential oils also have the potential to cause skin reactions and allergic reactions.
Essential oil safety
While research suggests there are health benefits, the FDA doesn’t monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before you begin using essential oils and be sure to research the quality of a brand’s products. Always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.
To treat contact dermatitis
If your eyebrow dandruff is from contact dermatitis, avoiding the product that triggered it can usually resolve it. If you aren’t sure of the cause, consider whether you’ve made any changes to skin care items, body or hair products, laundry detergent, sunscreen, or makeup.
You can manage symptoms on the affected area by:
- Using anti-itch cream or taking an OTC antihistamine can help reduce itchiness.
- Applying cool, wet compresses for 15–30 minutes at a time can help alleviate irritation and itching.
- As your skin heals, moisturizing around your eyebrows can help reduce irritation and flakiness.
How to best prevent eyebrow dandruff can depend on the cause.
To prevent seborrheic dermatitis
For seborrheic dermatitis, you may be able to prevent a flare-up of eyebrow dandruff by:
- cleansing the area with anti-dandruff shampoo periodically
- moisturizing dry skin around the eyebrows, especially during cold, dry weather
- reducing stress
To prevent Malassezia
For Malassezia, you can prevent future infections or flare-ups by cleansing the eyebrows with anti-dandruff shampoo. You may also be able to use products containing tea tree oil.
To prevent contact dermatitis
For contact dermatitis, you can prevent it by avoiding products and ingredients that may trigger a reaction.
You may want to consider reviewing and comparing ingredient lists of any products that trigger contact dermatitis to determine which ingredients you may need to avoid.
You can also stick to fragrance-free products formulated for sensitive skin. These are less likely to contain irritating ingredients.
While you can usually relieve eyebrow dandruff at home, it’s best to talk with a dermatologist if your symptoms do not improve with OTC treatments or if they worsen.
Though uncommon, eyebrow dandruff may by a symptom of an infection. It’s best to contact a doctor if:
- your symptoms worsen or spread
- you suddenly develop a painful rash
- your symptoms interfere with daily activities
- your symptoms don’t start resolving in about three weeks
- any pus comes from the irritated skin areas
- the skin around the affected area is swollen or warm to the touch
- you have a fever
Although skin infections are uncommon, it’s best to get prompt treatment if you may have one.
Eyebrow dandruff is pretty common. It’s a chronic condition that’s generally nothing to worry about. There are many at-home remedies you can try, and if one doesn’t work, try another.
If you don’t see improvements in a few weeks, talk with your doctor about seeing a dermatologist. You might need a prescription treatment to manage your symptoms or treat any flare-ups.