What to Do If You Lose Your Eyelashes During Chemotherapy

The prospect of losing your hair can be overwhelming when undergoing chemotherapy. It may be even more distressing to hear you may lose your eyelashes as well.

Eyelashes are an important feature for most people. They frame the eyes and, as with all hair, can be central to a person's self-image and sense of self-esteem.

Eyelashes aren't just for looks. Losing them can cause an increased risk of damage to the eye and possibly even decreased vision, as the protection eyelashes provide is lost when they fall out.

This article will review eyelash loss from chemotherapy and how to prevent and treat it.

Losing Eyelashes During Chemotherapy

Hair loss (alopecia) is a ​common side effect of chemotherapy and isn't just limited to the hair on your head. It is not uncommon to experience hair loss on one's legs, arms, pubic area, eyebrows, and even eyelashes.

What can be even more bothersome is eyelashes often do not fall out until after chemotherapy is almost done or has been completed. Moreover, some will experience the thinning or shortening of lashes rather than a complete loss, while others will go through recurring cycles of loss and regrowth.

How to Reduce Eyelash Loss

To help minimize the loss of your lashes:

• Refrain from rubbing your eyes (or patting your lashes to see if they are still there).
• Use a cotton ball and a natural eye makeup remover to gently wipe any makeup from your eyes.
• Avoid heavy mascaras, especially waterproof ones or those that require warm water to remove. These can be too harsh on delicate lashes.

How to Manage Eyelash Loss

Even if you don't lose your eyelashes during chemo, you will likely find that they'll be pretty delicate. However, those who lose them often find that the regrown lashes are delicate, prone to breakage, or visibly sparse.

False Eyelashes

False eyelashes are an option that many consider but before using them, check with your healthcare provider. There is a risk of infection when using these products, and it's possible to have an allergic reaction to the glue. 

False eyelashes are available at most drugstores and cosmetic counters, costing anywhere from $3 to $100 a pair. Before putting them on, you should always spot-test the glue on the inside of your arm to confirm whether you have an allergy.

Using false eyelashes can be a little tricky. This is especially true if you have no natural eyelashes to situate the false ones. In this case, you may want to speak with someone at the cosmetic counter who can give you tips on applying them.

Prescription Treatments

A newer, topical treatment may help you re-grow your lashes. Latisse (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) is an Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved product that stimulates eyelash growth and darkening. It is applied topically to the base of the lashes each night. Results can vary and are typically seen after eight weeks of use.

As with false eyelashes, you should check with your healthcare provider or oncologist before use and always do a spot check on your arm. Insurance may cover the cost of Latisse but will most often require a pre-authorization letter or phone call from your healthcare provider.

Summary

Sometimes loss of eyelashes can occur as a side effect of chemotherapy. It can be a distressing symptom and potentially damage the eyes.

Treating eyelashes delicately and with care can help keep lashes intact and reduce the amount falling out.

Latisse is available to help eyelashes grow, including lashes lost from chemotherapy.

A Word From Verywell

Eyelash loss from chemotherapy can be upsetting and may affect someone's self-esteem as they go through treatment. Talk to your healthcare provider to see if the chemotherapy you're getting can cause eyelashes to fall out, and if so, ask about tips of things you can do to help decrease this.