There are various causes of madarosis.

- Ophthalmological conditions: blepharitis is an infection of the eyelid. Anterior blepharitis is either "staphylococcal blepharitis,"or "seborrhoeic blepharitis" and posterior blepharitis is due to the meibomian gland.

- Dermatologic conditions: there are multiple types of dermatological conditions that can result in madarosis. These include Atopic dermatitis, Seborrhoeic dermatitis atopic dermatitis, and Psoriasis on the eyelids can result in madarosis. Others include: frontal fibrosing alopecia, ulerythema ophryogenes, acne rosacea, telogen effluvium, follicular mucinosis, and cutaneous sarcoidosis.

- Nutritional defects: Severe malnutrition can cause chronic hair loss. Hypoproteinemia causes hair loss by early onset of telogen. Zinc deficiencies like acrodermatitis enteropathica, can lead to the loss of eyebrow/eyelash hair. Other deficiencies like biotin and iron make it possible for loss of hair as well.

- Infections: There are many bodily infections that can cause the loss of eyelashes/eyebrows. The most common infection may be leprosy, such as lepromatous leprosy. Syphilis or other viral infections like herpes or HIV can cause the loss of eye hair as well. Fungal infections, like paracoccidioidomycosis, trichophyton, or microsporum, are also possible infection causes.

- Trauma: Most trauma injuries cause madarosis from the psychological standpoint, known as trichotillomania

- Drugs/Medications: Crack cocaine or chemotherapy drugs. Other drugs include:propranolol, valproic acid, barbiturates, MMR vaccine, botulinum toxin, epinephrine, antithyroid drugs, anticoagulants, and lipid-lowering drugs

- Genetics

- Autoimmune disorders: alopecia areata, discoid lupus erythematosus, chronic cutaneous lupus erythmatosus, Graham-Little syndrome, and Parry Romberg syndrome

- Other diseases: hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, hypopituitarism, and amyloidosis

There only prevention method is determining the underlying condition before treatment options are too late.

Punctate epithelial erosions may be seen with different disorders:

- Rosacea

- Dry-eye syndrome

- Blepharitis

- Acute bacterial conjunctivitis

- Trauma

- Exposure keratopathy from poor eyelide closure

- Ultraviolet or chemical burn

- Contact lens-related disorder such as toxicity or tight lens syndrome

- Trichiasis

- Entropion or ectropion

- Floppy eyelid syndrome

- Chemotherapy i.e. cytosine arabinoside

- Thygeson's Superficial Punctate Keratopathy

There are two major pathways. In the non-scarring pathway, the hair follicles remain intact which could potentially be reversed with the proper diagnosis and treatments. In the Scaring pathway, the follicles are permanently lost due to tissue damage, autrophy, or inflammation.

The severity of the pre-existing condition determines which type of madarosis occurs.

- Ophthalmologic conditions: there are multiple types of infections and are common. The gray line of the eye is a line that divides the eyelid into parts: anterior part is skin and muscle while posterior is tarsus and conjunctiva. The blepharitis is classified based on the type of eyelid involvement. Anterior blepharitis is either "staphylococcal blepharitis,"or "seborrhoeic blepharitis" which have symptoms of the presence of scales that are along the hair shaft. Posterior blepharitis is usually due to meibomian gland dysfunction.

- Dermatologic conditions: there are multiple types of dermatological conditions that can result in madarosis dependent on the location. Atopic dermatitis is associated with allergic disorders and affects the lower eyelid. Seborrhoeic dermatitis can be seen as the scaling of the eyebrows. Loss of eyebrows is commonly seen from both atopic and seborrhoeic dermatitis due to continuous scratching/touching. Psoriasis on the eyelids can result in madarosis. Others include: frontal fibrosing alopecia, ulerythema ophryogenes, acne rosacea, telogen effluvium, follicular mucinosis, and cutaneous sarcoidosis.

- Nutritional Defects: Zinc is important in hair growth and the lack of zinc can cause hair loss, specifically madarosis.The main proteins in hair are biotin and iron so deficiencies would result in a loss of hair.

- Infections: Unilateral madarosis (only one eye) may occur in tuberculoid leprosy from granulomatous infiltration of hair follicles ultimately destroying them. Infections like syphilis by causing a moth-eaten appearance of the eyebrow hair loss. Viral infections like herpes or HIV can cause scarring of the eyelid, causing loss of hair. Various fungal infections like paracoccidioidomycosis can cause lesions and changes in the hair locations of the eyelid.

- Trauma: Trichotillomania is a psychological disorder where the hair is pulled out or breakage occurs when anxious. Both trichoteiromania (hair loss from constant rubbing) and trichotemnomania (hair loss from constant shaving of the hair) can result in hair loss.

- Drugs/Medications: The heart medication amiodarone has been reported to commonly cause loss of eyelashes and eyebrows. Cocaine abuse has shown hair loss due to the hot vapors traveling up causing burning of the hair of the eyebrows or eyelashes. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy can cause hair loss due to the eradication of the hair cells, especially when used to treat ocular tumors.

- Genetics: Some of the diseases listed in the causes can be inherited.

A study conducted in November of 2017, conveyed a correlation between blepharitis and early onset metabolic syndrome (MetS). To investigate the relationship between blepharitis and MetS, researchers used the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database in Taiwan. Results indicated that hyperlipidaemia and coronary artery disease were significantly correlated with the prior development of blepharitis. Therefore, blepharitis was shown to be significantly related to MetS and can serve as an early indication of the condition.

In another recent study, the presence of Demodex has been unveiled as a common cause of blepharitis. However, the pathogenesis of demodicosis is still unclear. In this study, researchers provide a diagnosis of the disease and propose diagnostic criteria of Demodex blepharitis.

The prevalence and incidence of Grover's disease have not been firmly established. In a study from Switzerland, Grover's disease was diagnosed in just 24 of more than 30,000 skin biopsies [4]. Grover's disease is mainly seen in males over the age of forty.

Grover's disease affects chiefly white adults in the fifth decade or later, and appears to be around 1.6 to 2.1 times more common in men than in women. Grover's disease appears less commonly in darker-skinned individuals.

PVA usually has an underlying cause, attributed to existing skin diseases and disorders associated with a cutaneous lymphoma or inflammation. Mycosis fungoides is the common lymphoma believed to cause PVA, although it may be considered a precursor when the lymphoma is (hidden) and undiagnosed. Large plaque parapsoriasis is another common causes of PVA. Less common causes include autoimmune-related connective tissue diseases such as lupus, dermatomyositis and scleroderma. Dermatoses and those that are genetically inspired, called genodermatoses, may also be an underlying cause of PVA. Among them, xeroderma pigmentosum and Rothmund-Thomson syndrome (poikiloderma congenita) are thought to be the most prominent. Ingestion of substances containing arsenic, such as arsphenamine, has also been suggested as a least common cause. PVA can also be idiopathic (of unknown cause), as seen in a small number of cases.

Due to the different underlying causes, proper diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis can only be determined by an eye care professional. Punctate epithelial erosions may be treated with artificial tears. In some disorders, topical antibiotic is added to the treatment. Patients should discontinue contact lens wear until recovery.

The cause of Grover's disease is unknown. Suspected triggers of disease activity include heat and sweating, sunlight, and adverse reaction to medications as well as ionizing radiation, end-stage renal disease/hemodialysis, and mechanical irritation or prolonged bed rest.

Some cases of Grover's disease have been associated with medications such as sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, ribavirin, cetuximab, and interleukin-4 [1,8-15]. One series of 300 patients with Grover's disease reported an association with other coexisting dermatoses including atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and xerosis cutis. Finally, smaller series have detailed an association with pyoderma gangrenosum, bacterial and viral infections, and occasionally, malignancies.

Treatment may include corticoids, astringents, and keratolytics. Dermatoses tend to be recurrent unless the use or contact can be avoided. Discontinuation of the instrument is curative in almost all cases, but usually impractical.

The exact cause of Majocchi's granuloma is not well established however a dysfunctinoal immune system may be a causative factor. The first form of MG, the superficial perifollicular form occurs predominately on the legs of otherwise healthy young women who repeatedly shave their legs and develop hair follicle occlusions that directly or indirectly disrupt the follicle and allow for passive introduction of the organism into the dermis. Hence, the physical barrier of the skin is important because it prevents the penetration of microorganisms. Physical factors that play a major role in inhibiting dermal invasion include the interaction among keratin production, the rate of epidermal turnover, the degree of hydration and lipid composition of the stratum corneum, CO levels, and the presence or absence of hair. Keratin and/or necrotic material can also be introduced into the dermis with an infectious organism to further enhance the problem. In immunocompromised individuals, the use of topical corticosteroids may lead to a dermatophyte infection due to local immunosuppression.

The mechanism by which the bacteria causes symptoms of blepharitis is not fully understood and may include direct irritation of bacterial toxins and/or enhanced cell-mediated immunity to S. aureus.

Staphylococcal blepharitis is caused by an infection of the anterior portion of the eyelid by Staphylococcal bacteria. In a study of ocular flora, 46% to 51% of those diagnosed with staphylococcal blepharitis had cultures positive for Staphylococcus aureus in comparison to 8% of normal patients. Staphylococcal blepharitis may start in childhood and continue into adulthood. It is commonly recurrent and it requires special medical care. The prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus in the conjunctival sac and on the lid margin varies among countries, likely due to differences in climate and environment. Seborrheic blepharitis is characterized by less inflammation than Staphylococcal blepharitis; however, it causes more excess oil or greasy scaling. Meibomian Gland Dysfunction is a result of abnormalities of the meibomian glands and altered secretion meibum, which plays an imperative role in lagging the evaporation of tear films and smoothing of the tear film to produce an even optical surface. Posterior blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids, secondary to dysfunction of the meibomian glands. Like anterior blepharitis, it is a bilateral chronic condition and may be associated with skin rosacea. There is growing evidence that, in some cases, it is caused by Demodex mites.

Styes are most commonly caused by the blocking of an oil gland at the base of the eyelash. Styes are experienced by people of all ages. Styes can be triggered by poor nutrition, sleep deprivation, lack of hygiene, lack of water, and rubbing of the eyes. Styes often result from a Staphylococcal infection in the eye, and can be secondary to blepharitis or a deficiency in immunoglobulin. Sharing of washcloths or face towels should be curtailed to avoid spreading the infection between individuals. Styes can last from one to two weeks without treatment, or as little as four days if treated properly.

Poikiloderma vasculare atrophicans (PVA), sometimes referred to as parapsoriasis variegata or parapsoriasis lichenoides is a cutaneous condition (skin disease) characterized by hypo- or hyperpigmentation (diminished or heightened skin pigmentation, respectively), telangiectasia and skin . Other names for the condition include prereticulotic poikiloderma and atrophic parapsoriasis. The condition was first described by pioneer American pediatrician Abraham Jacobi in 1906. PVA causes areas of affected skin to appear speckled red and inflamed, yellowish and/or brown, gray or grayish-black, with scaling and a thinness that may be described as "cigarette paper". On the surface of the skin, these areas may range in size from small patches, to plaques (larger, raised areas), to neoplasms (spreading, tumor-like growths on the skin).

Mycosis fungoides, a type of skin lymphoma, may be a cause of PVA. The condition may also be caused by, associated with or accompany any of the following conditions or disorders: other skin lymphomas, dermatomyositis, lupus erythematosus, Rothmund-Thompson syndrome, Kindler syndrome, dyskeratosis congenita, and chronic radiodermatitis. Rare causes include arsenic ingestion, and the condition can also be idiopathic.

PVA may be considered a rare variant of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, a non-Hodgkin's form of lymphoma affecting the skin. It may also be included among a number of similar conditions that are considered as precursors to mycosis fungoides. PVA is believed to be a syndrome closely associated with large-plaque parapsoriasis and its cohort retiform parapsoriasis; including PVA, all three conditions fit within an updated view of the once ambiguous classification scheme known as parapsoriasis.

Cutaneous disorders in musicians include frictional injury ("fiddler's neck"), hyperhidrosis, acne mechanica and vascular compromise. Other agents of irritant and allergic contact dermatitis may be rosewood, Makassar ebony, cocobolo wood, African blackwood, nickel, reed, propolis (bee glue), chromium and paraphenylenediamine. Patch testing can be performed for identification of the cause.

Acneiform eruptions are a group of dermatoses including acne vulgaris, rosacea, folliculitis, and perioral dermatitis. Restated, acneiform eruptions are follicular eruptions characterized by papules and pustules resembling acne.

The hybrid term "acneiform", literally, refers to an appearance similar to acne.

The terminology used in this field can be complex, and occasionally contradictory. Some sources consider acne vulgaris part of the differential diagnosis for an acneiform eruption. Other sources classified acne vulgaris under acneiform eruption. MeSH explicitly excludes perioral dermatitis from the category of "acneiform eruptions", though it does group acneiform eruptions and perioral dermatitis together under "facial dermatoses".

In the review article, "Majocchi’s granuloma: a symptom complex caused by fungal pathogens" authors Macit Ilkit, Murat Durdu and Mehmet Karakas focus on the clinical presentation, pathogenesis, laboratory diagnostic methods (including the Tzanck smear test), etiologic agents, histopathologic characteristics, and therapeutic approaches to the treatment of MG. They conclude that, it should be noted that the Tzanck smear method is a rapid, easily performable diagnostic test. In addition, histopathologic examinations reveal granulomatous folliculitis in patients with MG. Lastly, systemic antifungals given at an adequate dose and for an appropriate duration are the drugs of choice; in general, topical antifungals alone do not clear the fungal infections.

In "Majocchi's granumloma - Case report", the authors discuss the case of a three-year-old child who presented with lesions around her jaw. It was reported that she had been using a combination of topical corticoids, anti-fungals, and antibiotics during this period. The use of these products was only worsening her folliculitis. Drugs were then suspended after 15 days of use and was followed by cutaneous biopsy and histopathological examination. Mycological examination showed the presence of hyphae and spores compatible with Majocchi's granuloma. The patient was treated with griseofulvin for 8 weeks and went into remission from this condition.

In "Tinea Corporis Gladiatorum Presenting as a Majocchi Granuloma", authors Anil Kurian and Richard M. Haber discuss the importance of differential diagnosis when it comes to diagnosing patients with Majocchi's granuloma. Their paper focuses on case report involving a 20-year-old male who had been a part of schools wrestling team for the past six years. H presented with a 4-year history of follicular papules and pustules on his right forearm. This lesion had the typical clinical appearance of a Majocchi granuloma. A skin biopsy from the right forearm showed an acute deep folliculitis compatible with a Majocchi granuloma, but fungal stainings with a Grocott stain was negative. This was the first case reported in medical literature where it was shown that tinea corporis gladiatorum can present as a Majocchi granuloma. Thus, dermatologists must consider a Majocchi granuloma in the differential diagnosis of persistent skin lesions in wrestlers.

Stye complications occur in very rare cases. However, the most frequent complication of styes is progression to a chalazion that causes cosmetic deformity, corneal irritation, and often requires surgical removal. Complications may also arise from the improper surgical lancing, and mainly consist of disruption of lash growth, lid deformity or lid fistula. Styes that are too large may interfere with one's vision.

Eyelid cellulitis is another potential complication of eye styes, which is a generalized infection of the eyelid. Progression of a stye to a systemic infection (spreading throughout the body) is extremely rare, and only a few instances of such spread have been recorded.

The exact cause of VIN is unknown. Studies are being done to determine the cause of VIN. The following factors have been associated with VIN:

- HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)

- HSV-2 (Herpes simplex Virus - Type 2)

- Smoking

- Immunosuppression

- Chronic vulvar irritation

- Conditions such as Lichen Sclerosus

Conjunctival concretions can be single, also multiple, less confluent. There is no difference between the site of the occurrence on the upper and lower eyelid, nor right or left eye. The vast majority of concretions are in the conjunctival surface rather than deep. There is no difference in age for predilection or incidence of concretions, due to the causes of conjunctivitis, aging, and even congenital factor.

Urticarial dermatoses are distinct from urticaria, which examples being drug-induced urticaria, eosinophilic cellulitis and bullous pemphigoid. It is important to distinguish urticaria from urticarial dermatoses. The individual wheals of urticaria are ‘here today and gone tomorrow’ (i.e. they last less than 24 hours), whereas with urticarial dermatoses, the individual lesions last for days or longer.

Trichiasis (, or , ) a medical term for abnormally positioned eyelashes that grow back toward the eye, touching the cornea or conjunctiva. This can be caused by infection, inflammation, autoimmune conditions, congenital defects, eyelid agenesis and trauma such as burns or eyelid injury. It is the leading cause of infectious blindness in the world.

Standard treatment involves removal or destruction of the affected eyelashes with electrology, specialized laser, or surgery. In many cases, removal of the affected eyelashes with forceps resolves the symptoms, although the problem often recurs in a few weeks when the eyelashes regrow. Severe cases may cause scarring of the cornea and lead to vision loss if untreated. Mild cases may not require treatment.

Repeated cases of trachoma infection may cause trichiasis.

Posterior misdirection of normal lashes most frequently affects lower lid.

Conjunctivitis may also be caused by allergens such as pollen, perfumes, cosmetics, smoke, dust mites, Balsam of Peru, and eye drops.

Usually, a common form of treatment for the condition is a type of hand cream which moisturises the hard skin. However, currently the condition is incurable.

Conjunctivitis, when caused by an infection, is most commonly caused by a viral infection. Bacterial infections, allergies, other irritants, and dryness are also common causes. Both bacterial and viral infections are contagious and passed from person to person, but can also spread through contaminated objects or water.

Trichiasis in dogs is hair from the eyelid growing in the wrong direction and rubbing on the eye, causing irritation. It usually occurs at the lateral upper eyelid, especially in the English Cocker Spaniel. Trichiasis also refers to hair from a nasal fold rubbing on the eye. This type of trichiasis can be flattened by rubbing petroleum jelly onto it, but surgery is sometimes necessary for permanent correction.