Another medical mystery

[Missy]

This past September (hello autumn and the exacerbation of my skin issues) I started experiencing a new medical issue. My left eyebrow skin became red and irritated and itchy and inflamed. Over months I lost much of the hair there. Not all of a sudden and didn’t realize it was happening till it already occurred. The skin is still red and irritated there and more hair loss is probably occurring. Only over my left eyebrow as of now.


I saw my dermatologist last month and he wasn’t sure of the correct diagnosis but since I was also experiencing an eczema outbreak on my arms he thought it could be that with my eyebrow skin. So he prescribed Tacrilomus. That just made it worse. So then I started Eucrisa which again just made my skin more irritated. I’ve also tried moisturizers with minimal ingredients since my skin is super sensitive and hyper reactive. Nothing is providing relief unfortunately.


And since I don’t have a for sure diagnosis yet I’m not sure what it really is.


Did anyone here ever experience unilateral eyebrow hair loss with inflammation? If so what was your diagnosis and what provided relief for you?

Thanks.

Signed,
Your grateful fellow PSer Missy
This one eyebrow gal is no sissy
The gal with skin problems galore
With each season it seems I develop more
My sense of humor still intact
Though my one eyebrow hair loss is a fact
The pain and irritation has worse impact
But I will continue searching for relief and a cure
Till I have no energy left and I just can’t any more
But hopefully that day is very far away
And my stamina holds til I am completely ok


XOXO

 

[Tekate]

Missy, why not try a new derm? and try an OTC steroid cream. Keep me posted, I have rosacea and it's a pain in the a$$, expensive and flares up much more in the summer so I feel your pain. All the little things that live on our skin.... they wreak havoc. New derm! <3

 

[House Cat]

Are you able to use castor oil on your skin for the hair loss?

Missy, do you have an autoimmune disorder?

 

[Missy]

Thank you for your replies Tekate and House Cat.

Missy, why not try a new derm? and try an OTC steroid cream. Keep me posted, I have rosacea and it's a pain in the a$$, expensive and flares up much more in the summer so I feel your pain. All the little things that live on our skin.... they wreak havoc. New derm! <3

I can’t apply topical steroids. In 2014 I developed a severe Perioral dermatitis outbreak from applying the tiniest bit of topical steroid for another skin inflammation. . And the rebound effect with steroids can be extreme for some (me) individuals.

I’m sorry you have rosacea. I know firsthand how that sucks. Oracea (40 mg doxy) is my savior there. Have you tried it? And Soolantra can be a helpful topical for rosacea.

As for a new derm I hear you. A few years ago i went to several different dermatologists only to come back to the realization my current derm is the best of the lot. Dermatology is a challenging field. So many diseases with no cure and difficult diagnoses. I think he’s one of the best and very smart. It’s not his fault I’m a challenging case lol. But i am not against trying another if I can find someone worthwhile. I will add every visit to him is exorbitant because he accepts no insurance and my health insurance gives us almost nothing back. But that is a pale distant concern when I’m suffering. Thanks Kate. (((Hugs))). Hope you find relief from your rosacea. I use Oracea and Soolantra too. They both seem to really help. There are savings cards if you’re interested in trying them if you haven’t already.

Are you able to use castor oil on your skin for the hair loss?

Missy, do you have an autoimmune disorder?

I have several I know of and yes it’s quite possible this is one too. As for Castor oil I’m not sure. I think I tried that in 2014 and my skin reacted badly to all the oils I tried. Even the supposed non comedogenic oils. I broke out all over. But I’ll look into this and see if I tried it before.

I also tried making an oatmeal mask for relief on my eyebrow but it made it worse. Same with manuka honey. And I’m hyper reactive to coconut oil.

Thanks so much House Cat. (((Hugs))).

 

[PintoBean]

Are you allergic to lanolin? If not, try aquaphor.

Other oils to try - almond, sesame, olive, jojoba

Are you taking fish oil? I found that it was effective for my dogs' sensitive skin and for my husband's psoriasis.

Ingest extra omegas like flax?

Is the eyebrow you're having issues with the side you sleep on? Try an extra rinse cycle for your laundry.

 

[Missy]

Are you allergic to lanolin? If not, try aquaphor.

Other oils to try - almond, sesame, olive, jojoba

Are you taking fish oil? I found that it was effective for my dogs' sensitive skin and for my husband's psoriasis.

Ingest extra omegas like flax?

Is the eyebrow you're having issues with the side you sleep on? Try an extra rinse cycle for your laundry.

Thanks sweet Pintobean

No I sleep on my right side. It’s left eyebrow. But I do an extra rinse on all laundry anyway due to my hyper sensitive skin.

I react to all oils I’ve tried. All the above you listed for topical application causes a reaction on my skin.

I’m using moisturizers I’ve been good with over past few years. From La Roche Posay and Avene. And a few others I’ve recently found. Still waiting on a few deliveries. I’ll keep y’all posted

I tried Sadick. A VapidLapid (hey there VL hope you’re well) recommendation from a few years ago. Didn’t work out for me.

Good suggestion to start taking omega 3s since I’m vegan again I’m not getting fish oil in my diet. But I guess that means I have to break from being vegan. I don’t think flax provides enough healthy oils. I’ll look into the specifics thanks.

Thank you PB. (((Hugs))).

 

[Austina]

I was going to suggest castor oil too. I’ve been using it on my eyelashes which has gotten a bit sparse, and I can see a difference.

 

[Missy]

I was going to suggest castor oil too. I’ve been using it on my eyelashes which has gotten a bit sparse, and I can see a difference.

Ok thanks for chiming in! I’m hesitant because I don’t want my POD to return and heavy oils can do that but I’m going to see what I can do. Would castor be an anti inflammatory too?
Glad you’re experiencing relief with castor oil.

 

[Austina]

I honestly don’t know @missy but having suffered from horrendous eczema, which always started around the eye sockets, the castor oil isn’t causing me any problem so far.

 

[Missy]

Thanks Austina! Glad you’re doing well! (((Hugs))).

 

[Missy]

House Cat and Austina yes Castor oil is an anti inflammatory. Thanks again for the rec.

http://www.naturallivingideas.com/castor-oil/

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319844.php

Not sure I’ll be able to tolerate it but definitely worth a try once I figure out if I tried it in the past. Thanks.

 

[meely]

@missy I haven't read your previous threads to pick up on your medical issues but eyebrow hair loss is often due to thyroid conditions I believe? Also I have suffered badly from eczema and hair loss both massively due to stress in my case could that be a factor?

 

[Austina]

Thank you for the articles @missy, interesting reading. I think it’s worth a try as it’s so inexpensive and natural. Good to know I can use it on Dottie if needed.

 

[Missy]

@missy I haven't read your previous threads to pick up on your medical issues but eyebrow hair loss is often due to thyroid conditions I believe? Also I have suffered badly from eczema and hair loss both massively due to stress in my case could that be a factor?

Thanks meely. I just had blood taken and only my BUN is off. It’s low. My thyroid I think was evaluated and I will have to find what those results are. In the past (30 plus years ago) I was hypothyroid but I’ve been off thyroid meds for 3 decades now. I’m usually borderline low.

Yes stress can exacerbate everything for sure. I think I’m maintaining a positive attitude and remaining in good spirits. Though at times I may get down about it I bounce back. Thanks for your reply. I hope your eczema is under good control and that you are doing well.

Thank you for the articles @missy, interesting reading. I think it’s worth a try as it’s so inexpensive and natural. Good to know I can use it on Dottie if needed.

Thanks Austina. Hoping Dottie doesn’t need it but if she does hope it will help her.

 

[mrs-b]

Second recommendation for thyroid tests, but I would also suggest you get your glucose/A1C tested. Just a good starting point for all things skin related.

 

[Missy]

Second recommendation for thyroid tests, but I would also suggest you get your glucose/A1C tested. Just a good starting point for all things skin related.

Thanks mrs-b. My glucose was 83 a few weeks ago but David didn't do the A1C at that visit unfortunately and I forgot to ask him as I wanted that finding. If memory serves me correctly I am usually high normal with my A1C and it is definitely worth seeing what I am at this juncture. And yes I will ask for a more thorough thyroid eval because I have a feeling he just did a basic thyroid test though I could be wrong. Seeing him next week and will make sure I get these done. Thank you.

ETA: OK just went into my records and checked. All he did was a "TSH HIGH SENSITIVITY" blood test and the finding was 2.43 mIU/L. No clue what else is needed so off to research that. One would think my derm would know to get a full thyroid panel but that one finding doesn't seem complete right?

 

[monarch64]

Missy, I have pretty severe skin issues every autumn, typically beginning in mid-October. As soon as everything in the garden dies/frost occurs, my skin goes nuts and it looks like I’m molting. My entire t-zone becomes dry, itchy, and flaky. No amount of moisturizer or topical treatments helps. Even my scalp peels and flakes. The rest of my body has no skin issues, it is only my scalp and face.

The only relief I have ever had fully work and not make every worse is sun and salt water. I know you are adverse to UV rays, but have you thought about getting a light box? The salt water part is easier—you can just make it yourself and mist your face and whatever other parts are affected. Light, heat, and humidity plus salt are my skin’s best friends, in moderate doses.

 

[Missy]

Missy, I have pretty severe skin issues every autumn, typically beginning in mid-October. As soon as everything in the garden dies/frost occurs, my skin goes nuts and it looks like I’m molting. My entire t-zone becomes dry, itchy, and flaky. No amount of moisturizer or topical treatments helps. Even my scalp peels and flakes. The rest of my body has no skin issues, it is only my scalp and face.

The only relief I have ever had fully work and not make every worse is sun and salt water. I know you are adverse to UV rays, but have you thought about getting a light box? The salt water part is easier—you can just make it yourself and mist your face and whatever other parts are affected. Light, heat, and humidity plus salt are my skin’s best friends, in moderate doses.

Aww Monnie I am sorry you are dealing with this. Yes I am no stranger to these skin issues and have been dealing with them moderate to severe skin issues one way or another since 2006 when my rosacea became full blown. And unfortunately my issues are over my whole body. However, I have never experienced eyebrow hair loss and it's only one eyebrow. So weird! I just saw another 2 hairs come out. I almost don't have anything left on my left eyebrow and the inflammation is probably what is causing the hairloss but unilateral hairloss. So strange.

I have a light box my dh built me around 2006/7 or so and I was actually getting ready to start using it again and we brought it back from the beach this weekend. Thanks for the reminder! And as for salt water that is interesting and I will see how that goes...what kind of salt do you use?

Thanks Monnie. (((Hugs))).

 

[monarch64]

Missy, I have been dealing with it since my early teens. I just expect it now and try not to let it get me down. It is uncomfortable and embarrassing to say the least when you are peeling but don’t have a sunburn!
You can use epsom salt or plain old table salt. Have you ever tried epsom salt baths? Super healing. I feel like salt water heals everything. Every time I’ve ever spent time at the beach my skin and hair are amazing. I’m probably not biologically cut out for the frozen Midwestern tundra. I was born in Ft. Lauderdale...they should’ve left me there!

Edited to add: have you talked to your derm about the possibility of alopecia? Just occurred to me that my mom has a ton of allergies and her skin and body are very irritant-susceptible and her hair started falling out coinciding with a bunch of other symptoms. Just something to consider.

 

[KristyDarling]

Missy, we could be sisters, at least in the dermatological sense! I'm so sorry to hear about your new symptom. I could write a novel on my cornucopia of lifelong skin conditions, but let's just say I've seen and stumped every dermatologist in my city. My skin conditions affect my daily life in a significant way and I have tried every medicine and lifestyle modification in the book - nothing helps, and according to tests it's not an autoimmune issue either.

Have you looked into functional medicine? Most conventional doctors are still unaware of this approach but it's slowly gaining traction in the U.S. You may already know what it is, but in case not: FM docs believe that it's all about gut health, where many diseases - including skin conditions - are rooted. So FM docs treat the root cause of disease, from the inside out (by identifying and eliminating food sensitivities, adding supplementation, etc) to avoid triggering the immune responses that lead to symptoms, instead of just treating symptoms the way that conventional docs do. Personally, I'm really fatigued by my skin issues and am going to seek out a functional medicine M.D. for help soon.

Just throwing this idea out there in case you weren't aware of it. Please keep us posted on how you're doing!

 

[Missy]

Missy, I have been dealing with it since my early teens. I just expect it now and try not to let it get me down. It is uncomfortable and embarrassing to say the least when you are peeling but don’t have a sunburn!
You can use epsom salt or plain old table salt. Have you ever tried epsom salt baths? Super healing. I feel like salt water heals everything. Every time I’ve ever spent time at the beach my skin and hair are amazing. I’m probably not biologically cut out for the frozen Midwestern tundra. I was born in Ft. Lauderdale...they should’ve left me there!

Edited to add: have you talked to your derm about the possibility of alopecia? Just occurred to me that my mom has a ton of allergies and her skin and body are very irritant-susceptible and her hair started falling out coinciding with a bunch of other symptoms. Just something to consider.

Thanks Monnie. I soak my toe in epsom salt so have plenty of that. I don't take baths. I am afraid of them LOL. Bugs coming up the drain and all yes I am cuckoo I know but city life you never know what comes up those drains. Believe me you don't want to know haha. And I am with you. I am not cut out for the cold but I am also not cut out for the heat. California here we come...

Yes to discussing alopecia last visit... we discussed that last month but it was the first time I told him about my eyebrow as we had been dealing with many other issues in the past number of months. I am with you in that I take it as best I can and I have to laugh or I would cry. It is always something with my skin all the time. Not just autumn but winter, spring and summer. I think for all my skin issues I am doing pretty well mentally and maintaining decent spirits and good humor. Greg remarked the other day he thinks I am handling it all remarkably well. I guess practice makes perfect at least in attitude or as HRH francesca likes to say certitude haha.

So David did bring up the possibility of alopecia but then he feels more likely it is eczema or at least I should say that is the first thing we are ruling out or in if that makes sense. It has just been 2 weeks since I saw him I think and seeing him next Tuesday so we shall see. Do you know if alopecia would present asymmetrically like that in one eyebrow?

I am sorry your mom has issues too. My mom did lose most of her hair when my grandmother died unexpectedly in 1992 but fortunately her hair grew back a few years later. But she also developed tons of autoimmune conditions including RA and temporal arteritis etc during that time.

OK we will all soldier on and I will share anything I find out with you guys. If I can help anyone in anyway I sure will. One of the reasons I share all these issues is maybe just maybe it can help someone else dealing with similar stuff.

 

[Missy]

Missy, we could be sisters, at least in the dermatological sense! I'm so sorry to hear about your new symptom. I could write a novel on my lifelong cornucopia of skin conditions, but let's just say I've seen and stumped every dermatologist in my city. My skin conditions affect my daily life in a significant way and I have tried every medicine and lifestyle modification in the book - nothing helps, and according to tests it's not an autoimmune issue either.

Have you looked into functional medicine? Most conventional doctors are still unaware of this approach but it's slowly gaining traction in the U.S. You may already know what it is, but in case not: FM docs believe that it's all about gut health, where many diseases - including skin conditions - are rooted. So FM docs treat the root cause of disease, from the inside out (by identifying and eliminating food sensitivities, adding supplementation, etc) to avoid triggering the immune responses that lead to symptoms, instead of just treating symptoms the way that conventional docs do. Personally, I'm really fatigued by my skin issues and am going to seek out a functional medicine M.D. for help soon.

Just throwing this idea out there in case you weren't aware of it. Please keep us posted on how you're doing!

Kristy aww I am sorry you are dealing with this crap too and yes we could be dermatological sisters. And bling sisters too...don't forget the bling!

I actually have 2 recommendations for functional medicine doctors. I know it couldnt hurt. I just don't look forward to starting all over with another doctor especially in winter. I want to stay inside as much as possible and not travel LOL.

I am well aware of gut health and consume fermented veggies every day and I think I eat heathy but sometimes I question myself as why would I have all these issues if I ate healthfully? It's easy to doubt oneself when there are always health issues happening.

I am so sorry you are going through this too and wish I could help in someway. I am here for you any way I can be so please don't hesitate to ask for anything. I forget where you are located. Are you near the NYC metro area? Of course if you don't feel comfortable sharing please ignore that question. (((Hugs))) and healing vibes being sent your way.

Sending good thoughts and healing vibes to everyone dealing with health issues that affect our quality of life. (((Hugs))).

 

[Maisie]

I don’t know how old you are Missy so forgive me if this isn’t relevant. I started the Menopause process early. Since then it seems like everything has gone out of whack. My hair is dropping out at an alarming rate. My skin is awful. Again, this could be completely unrelated but I just wanted to mention it.

 

[luv2sparkle]

Missy, I hate to even mention this because it sounds like a new platform since I am doing it myself. I think you are very careful with what you eat, but have to tried eating keto? The only reason I bring it up is because there are a lot of people on the keto fb pages that have autoimmune diseases and skin issues and keto has seemed to greatly help them. In my own life, I have seen a dramatic reduction in inflammation as well. I am not suggesting that you go full bore as I have but it might be worth a solid two or three week trial. Reducing inflammation is helpful in most conditions. That is how I started. I gave it two solid weeks to see if I felt any different and the results were undeniable for me. It goes against everything our brain tells us is good, since we have been told for so long that low fat was the healthiest. There are quite a few doctors who are recommending it to patients and quite a lot of books to read on the benefits if you are interested.

 

[Missy]

I don’t know how old you are Missy so forgive me if this isn’t relevant. I started the Menopause process early. Since then it seems like everything has gone out of whack. My hair is dropping out at an alarming rate. My skin is awful. Again, this could be completely unrelated but I just wanted to mention it.

Hi Maisie thanks for your input and I appreciate it. I have been in full menopause for about 3 plus years now. I am so sorry you are dealing with hair loss and skin issues. It really sucks having these issues especially as a woman. Have you done blood work and had an evaluation to see why you are losing hair? I hope you are on the mend and sending you good thoughts and hugs.

Missy, I hate to even mention this because it sounds like a new platform since I am doing it myself. I think you are very careful with what you eat, but have to tried eating keto? The only reason I bring it up is because there are a lot of people on the keto fb pages that have autoimmune diseases and skin issues and keto has seemed to greatly help them. In my own life, I have seen a dramatic reduction in inflammation as well. I am not suggesting that you go full bore as I have but it might be worth a solid two or three week trial. Reducing inflammation is helpful in most conditions. That is how I started. I gave it two solid weeks to see if I felt any different and the results were undeniable for me. It goes against everything our brain tells us is good, since we have been told for so long that low fat was the healthiest. There are quite a few doctors who are recommending it to patients and quite a lot of books to read on the benefits if you are interested.

Hey there luv2sparkle, I saw in another thread that you are now eating Keto. I have thought about it and will read up on it. I am not a lover of protein and in fact probably don't get enough protein as it is but I need to do better. Thinking about doing it for a 2 week trial is certainly manageable. Thanks for posting and thanks for giving me a little push in this direction. I was hesitant since I love my veggies but it is worth a shot. So glad you are doing well on this and have experienced such positive effects!

 

[KristyDarling]

Aww, thanks Missy! I'm in an area with several well-known FM doctors -- I'm dreading the $$$ part since most of them don't take insurance. But I'm desperate! Fortunately, my husband is very supportive and understands why it's necessary.

I know what you mean about healthful eating and being unsure of how much it really helps. I've been avoiding dairy, grains, and added sugar for 7 months now. My meals consist of greens, lots of healthy fats, and animal/seafood proteins. I've been drinking a ton of beef bone broth. I've tried eating sauerkraut and other fermented veggies, but I just don't like the taste. (I do enjoy kombucha though.) I've also been supplementing with vitamin D, fish oil, glutathione, and a gut health powder. With all this I haven't seen much of a difference so I'm hoping a FM doc can drill down and do some detailed testing to prescribe an eating plan/supplementation that's more specific to my needs. I really want to find out if there are specific inflammatory foods I should avoid, like eggs, coffee, nuts, or nightshades. (which would make me so sad!!)

I'll keep you posted on what I learn....so true that it's super helpful to share our experiences and to be together in this. In the meantime, hang in there and know that you are not alone!

 

[luv2sparkle]

It might help you to know, Missy, that while Atkins was considered high protein, keto is moderate protein. It is not as important as fat. You fat can come from many sources, not just meat. If you can eat dairy, it can come from grass fed butter or cheese. Dairy does cause inflammation in some people so you would have to watch for that. Avocados are good sources of fat but can be a little carby. It takes a bit to wrap your head around eating fat, that was probably the biggest hurdle for me initially. I eat a total of less than 10oz total protein per day and some of that comes from eggs which I like.

Dietdoctor.com is a good resource, Maria Emerrich-The Ketogenic cleanse, all would be good research information. Dr. Eric Westman, also has a book called the New Atkins which is very detailed as well.
I haven't given up eating vegetables at all. I just stay away from the higher carb veggies. I eat a ton of broccoli and asparagus and salads. Macadamia nuts are good sources of protein and fat as will.

 

[Tekate]

@missy I think I remember now you saying you were allergic to steroid creams.. sorry about that. If you trust your physician that is really the most important thing, and I so agree with you about dermatology, they really know so little.

For my rosacea I use a sodium sulfacedtimide cleanser twice a day and after drying my face I apply clindamycin gel, it works well for me, if I go at all (once) off schedule in the summer my nose looks like WC Fields and I have red bumps everywhere on my lower face, I'm sure you get it.

I have to admit I have been prescibed oracea and soolantra but I never used them under my insurance plans they were tooo high, but the above works for me so it's okay.

I will keep watching for your updates. So sorry Missy.. for like the 4th time Happy New year also.

xoxoxo

 

[Snowdrop13]

Missy-

You look very pale skinned in all your photos and always are covered up if you are outside, I know you’ve said before that you avoid the sun!

Could you be Vitamin D deficient? It is well known that people in northern climates often are and it can cause a lot of skin issues.

Just my 2p........

 

[Bron357]

Hi from Australia. My hubby has skin issues and gave up on prescription style ointments (steroids) as they can’t be used long term. He’s tried lots of things, the only cream that seems to help reduce the redness and itchiness (it becomes a viscous cycle if you’re scratching and opening up the skin causing secondary infection - boy, don’t we know about this!) is based on Manuka honey, which has been found to have many interesting healing properties with the benefit of being natural. Creams you can get in the US is Bioactive Skincare - Organic Manuka Honey cream or YoRo Naturals Organic Manuka Skin Soothing cream. It’s not expensive and wouldn’t hurt to try. It hasn’t cured him as such, but stops it being really bad.