R R

What Is Poliosis?

Poliosis is localized loss of pigment in hair, most often seen as white patches in the eyelashes, eyebrows, or scalp hair. The affected hairs grow in normally but lack melanin, so they look white or very light. Around the eye, poliosis can signal underlying inflammatory or pigment disorders that involve the skin, uveal tract, or meninges. Conditions such as vitiligo, Vogt Koyanagi Harada disease, sympathetic ophthalmia, and tuberous sclerosis are classic associations. Recognizing poliosis can prompt a careful search for related ocular and systemic disease.

Link to This Resource Page

Provide a valuable resource to your clients or customers by linking to this resource page. Just place the following link on your website.

To display this...

What Is Poliosis?

Poliosis is localized loss of pigment in hair, most often seen as white patches in the eyelashes, eyebrows, or scalp hair. The affected hairs grow in normally but lack melanin, so they look white or very light. Around the eye, poliosis can signal underlying inflammatory or pigment disorders that involve the skin, uveal tract, or meninges. Conditions such as vitiligo, Vogt Koyanagi Harada disease, sympathetic ophthalmia, and tuberous sclerosis are classic associations. Recognizing poliosis can prompt a careful search for related ocular and systemic disease.

read more about poliosis ...

Copy this HTML:

Copy HTML Copied!

Appearance and Symptoms

Poliosis looks like a cluster or streak of white hairs among otherwise normally pigmented lashes or brows. The skin underneath may appear normal or show hypopigmented patches when vitiligo is present. Most people do not feel pain or irritation from the depigmented hairs. Cosmetic concerns are common, especially when the patch is prominent on the face. Some patients notice the change suddenly, while others see gradual spread over time.

Associated Ocular and Systemic Conditions

Inflammatory eye diseases such as chronic anterior uveitis, Vogt Koyanagi Harada syndrome, and sympathetic ophthalmia can produce poliosis along with photophobia, redness, and blurred vision. Autoimmune skin conditions like vitiligo and alopecia areata are frequent partners. Tuberous sclerosis and other genetic syndromes occasionally show poliosis as part of a wider pattern of pigment changes. A detailed history of neurologic symptoms, hearing changes, or meningismus helps identify syndromes where eye, ear, and meningeal pigment cells are all involved.

Diagnosis and Evaluation

Diagnosis is mainly clinical, based on the pattern of white hairs and any accompanying skin or eye findings. Eye examination checks for uveitis, choroidal depigmentation, or glaucoma that can accompany syndromic causes. Dermatologic evaluation looks for vitiligo or other pigment loss on the body. In suspected Vogt Koyanagi Harada disease or sympathetic ophthalmia, imaging and laboratory tests aid assessment. Biopsy is rarely needed but shows absence of melanocytes in affected follicles when performed.

Management and Outlook

Treatment focuses on the underlying condition rather than the white hairs themselves. Control of uveitis or systemic autoimmune disease can stabilize pigment changes but does not usually repigment existing poliosis. Cosmetic options include trimming, dyeing, or cosmetic tattooing of brows and lashes, done carefully to protect the eye. Poliosis by itself does not threaten vision, but associated inflammatory disease can. Regular eye follow up is important when poliosis appears with uveitis or other serious disorders.

FAQs About Poliosis

Is poliosis harmful to my eyes?

The white hairs alone are not harmful, but they can be a sign of inflammatory eye disease that needs attention.

Can poliosis go away on its own?

Spontaneous repigmentation is uncommon; most patches stay white even when the underlying disease is quiet.

Is poliosis the same as vitiligo?

No, poliosis refers to white hair, while vitiligo describes depigmented skin, although the two often occur together.

Can I safely dye lashes or brows with poliosis?

Dyeing can improve appearance but should be done with products and techniques that keep chemicals out of the eyes.

References

DermNet NZ. ?Poliosis.? https://dermnetnz.org/topics/poliosis

PubMed. ?Poliosis circumscripta: overview and underlying causes.? https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23850259/

EyeWiki. ?Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease.? https://eyewiki.org/Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada_Disease

MedlinePlus Genetics. ?Waardenburg syndrome.? https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/waardenburg-syndrome/

NCBI Bookshelf (StatPearls). ?Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Syndrome.? https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK574571/