Skin Health Potential Causes of Itchy Eyebrows and How to Treat Them By Sherry Christiansen Sherry Christiansen Sherry Christiansen is a medical writer with a healthcare background. She has worked in the hospital setting and collaborated on Alzheimer's research. Learn about our editorial process Published on June 01, 2021 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Casey Gallagher, MD Medically reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD Casey Gallagher, MD, is board-certified in dermatology and works as a practicing dermatologist and clinical professor. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Seborrheic Dermatitis Waxing, Plucking, and Threading Malassezia Allergic Reaction Shingles Psoriasis Diabetes Skin Parasites (Lice) When to See a Doctor There are many causes of itchy eyebrows. Often the underlying cause is not serious and will go away on its own or may be treatable using home remedies. Other times, itchy eyebrows can be caused by something more serious, such as an infection, allergic reaction, or other conditions. Learn about the potential causes of itchy eyebrows and when to see a doctor. Sergey Dogadin / Getty Images Seborrheic Dermatitis Seborrheic dermatitis is a long-term (chronic) skin disease that involves inflammation of the affected area. It's commonly found on various areas of the head and trunk, but can also occur on the face, including the eyebrows. The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unknown, but there are many theories, including hormones and genetics. Factors linked with flare-ups of seborrheic dermatitis may include: A type of yeast called MalasseziaA person's general healthA person's hygiene The environment (such as a change in humidity or temperature) Symptoms of facial seborrhea may include: Patches of greasy skin covered in white or yellow scales (particularly in the folds of skin)Redness or swelling of the affected areaCrusty, flaky skinItching or burning Treatment Home remedies that help to control seborrheic dermatitis include: Good hygieneAvoiding frequent cleansing with harsh soaps that remove natural skin oilsMoisturizing with a product that doesn't clog the skin's pores (such as CeraVe lotion)Cleansing with a mild, non-sulfate soapAvoiding sun damage Medical intervention may be required for severe cases of seborrheic dermatitis, and treatment may include: Medicated topical cream (such as ketoconazole cream)Topical corticosteroid cream (to reduce the swelling and help alleviate itchiness) Waxing, Plucking, and Threading Beauty treatments such as plucking, waxing, and threading the eyebrows can result in itchy eyebrows and other symptoms including: Skin irritationMild rash (bumps)Skin infection Usually, the itchiness and other symptoms caused by waxing, plucking, and threading are mild and go away without treatment. But if your symptoms persist or become severe, you should consult with your healthcare provider. Treatment Treatment for irritation or itchy eyebrows caused by waxing, plucking, and threading includes: Applying a cool compress to reduce inflammation: If you use ice to decrease inflammation, avoid applying it directly to the skin. Rather, cover the ice with a cloth before applying it to the eyebrow area. Direct exposure to ice can cause damage to the skin.Applying aloe vera gel: This is a natural over-the-counter product that may help reduce redness and itchiness. (Be careful when using any type of topical treatment near the eyes to avoid getting them in the eyes.) Malassezia Malassezia is part of the body’s normal skin flora (the natural microorganisms that live on the skin), but when there is an overgrowth of this type of yeast, it can cause inflammation, itchiness, and other symptoms. There are several types of skin conditions, each associated with a specific species of Malassezia. These conditions include skin disorders such as: Malassezia folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicle) Seborrheic dermatitis Factors that are known to worsen Malassezia infection include: SweatingImmunodeficiency (such as having a disorder like human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV)Environmental factors (such as high heat and humidity) Treatment Treatment options for an overgrowth of Malassezia include: Antifungal agents: Given topically (such as ketoconazole cream) or by mouth (such as fluconazole) antifungals, are common treatments for an infection resulting from an overgrowth of Malassezia.Topical steroids: These may also be given to alleviate itching and help reduce swelling. Allergic Reaction Allergies occur when certain substances trigger an immune system reaction in the body. In the United States, 41.7% of adults report having allergies; and of those people, 47.7% also experience allergic skin reactions. A skin allergy involving itchy eyebrows may occur when a beauty product—such as facial moisturizer, shampoo, or cosmetics—is used at home or at a salon. Another name for a skin allergy that results from exposure to a specific allergen is contact dermatitis. Symptoms of an allergic reaction that causes eyebrow itchiness include: ItchinessSwellingA hive-like rashRednessPainBurning or stingingFlakingScales Treatment Treatment of skin allergies may include: Topical corticosteroidsAntihistaminesSteroidsImmunosuppressive medications How Long Does It Take an Allergic Reaction to Clear Up? It may take several weeks for allergic symptoms to resolve, even with medical treatment. Preventive measures to keep allergic reactions of the skin at bay involve avoiding allergic triggers, including: Jewelry or metals (such as those used in eyebrow piercings)Certain cosmetic productsShampooBody or facial wash products Different Allergies May Have a Wide Range of Treatments Shingles Shingles (herpes zoster) is a common infectious disease that occurs in approximately four people per 1,000 in the United States annually. In adults age 60 and older, that number jumps to one case of shingles per 100 people each year. Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person has chickenpox, the virus goes dormant and reactivates later in life, usually when a person is 60 years of age or older. But when it reactivates, it only involves one area of the skin. Shingles can develop in the eyebrows, but because shingles usually only affects one side of the face, a single eyebrow is usually symptomatic. The symptoms may begin with eyebrow itching, but they would soon progress to burning, tingling, and a rash comprised of fluid-filled blisters. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of shingles, particularly around the eye area, because shingles could lead to vision loss. Treatment Because shingles is a contagious disorder, any contact with the blisters before they are completely healed could spread the varicella-zoster virus. Treatment of shingles may include: Antiviral medicationsPain managementHome remedies to help alleviate symptoms The Best Ways to Relieve Shingles Pain and Rash Psoriasis Psoriasis is a common autoimmune condition that occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. Psoriasis that affects the eyebrows (and other areas of the face) is called facial psoriasis. Symptoms of facial psoriasis may include: Dead skin cells (that may resemble dandruff)Mild to intense itchinessSorenessSkin sensitivityThick, red skin patches with silver-colored scales Treatment Treatment of facial psoriasis may include: Prescription topical creams Phototherapy Oral medications (when topical treatments are ineffective) Injections (such as methotrexate in severe cases of facial psoriasis) Over-the-counter cleansers or moisturizers Products for Psoriasis You can check the National Psoriasis Foundation’s Seal of Recognition program to ensure products are safe and nonirritating to people with psoriasis. Diabetes People with diabetes are often at risk for many different types of skin problems. This is due to abnormal blood sugar levels that interfere with normal immune function. Examples of skin conditions that may cause itching of the eyebrows (or other areas) include: Folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicle, which may involve the hair of the eyebrows)Candida (a type of fungal infection that causes a rash that itches) Skin conditions are often the first sign of diabetes in many people. Treatment Treatment of skin conditions caused by diabetes depends on the underlying causative organism. For example, fungal infections will be treated with antifungal cream. Things you can do to prevent skin complications when you have diabetes include: Maintaining normal blood sugar levelsKeeping your skin clean, dry, and moisturizedKeeping the air in your home well humidified and avoiding showers that are extremely hot Consult with your healthcare provider if your skin condition does not resolve with self-care. How Diabetes Affects Your Skin Skin Parasites (Lice) Head lice are parasites that usually live and breed on the scalp. They are small enough to reside in the eyebrows and can even live on eyelashes. The medical term for head lice is Pediculus humanus capitis. Symptoms of lice may include: Feeling something moving in the hairSevere itching on the scalp and eyebrowsTrouble sleeping at nightBleeding Treatment The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has an online, very detailed protocol for the treatment of lice that includes: Applying permethrin lotion 1%Ongoing treatment for live (crawling) lice that continue to hatch (permethrin 1% does not kill eggs) to include combing out live lice and nits (eggs) and using other lice medicinesWashing items used or worn by the infested person in hot water (above 128.3 F), including hats, scarves, bedding, clothing, and towels, and placing items that cannot be washed in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks or dry-cleaning themNot sharing grooming aids, brushes, or other items that have direct contact with a person who has lice (particularly items used on the head or hair) When to See a Doctor It is important to consult with a healthcare provider anytime your eyebrows: Continuously itchAre painfulAppear infected (with symptoms of redness, warmth, or swelling)BlisterHave symptoms that go away and then return Summary There are many reasons why you may be experiencing itchy eyebrows. If you've tried to treat your itchy eyebrows at home and they do not improve, see a doctor. What's Causing Your Itchy Forehead and How to Treat It 12 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Johnson BA, Nunley JR. Treatment of seborrheic dermatitis. Am Fam Physician. 2000;61(9):2703-2710, 2713-2714. Saunte DML, Gaitanis G, Hay RJ. Malassezia-associated skin diseases, the use of diagnostics and treatment. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2020;10:112. doi:10.3389/fcimb.2020.00112 Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology. Malassezia-Associated Skin Diseases, the Use of Diagnostics and Treatment. Updated March 20, 2020. doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00112 DermNet NZ. What is Malassezia? Seité S, Kuo AM-S, Taieb C, Strugar TL, Lio P. Self-reported prevalence of allergies in the usa and impact on skin—an epidemiological study on a representative sample of american adults. IJERPH. 2020;17(10):3360. doi:10.3390/ijerph17103360 Cleveland Clinic. Contact dermatitis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Shingles (herpes zoster). DermNet NZ. What is facial psoriasis? National Psoriasis Foundation. Psoriasis on the face. American Diabetes Association. Skin complications. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pediculosis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Parasites. Head lice treatment. Editorial Process Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit