The Girl With a Pearl Earring: A Dermatological Puzzle

    July 2025 in “ Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology ”
    Giampiero Girolomoni, Paolo Gisondi, Martina Maurelli
    TLDR The girl in "The Girl with a Pearl Earring" might have had alopecia areata, causing her lack of eyebrows and sparse eyelashes.
    The article explores the dermatological aspects of Vermeer's "The Girl with a Pearl Earring," focusing on the girl's apparent lack of eyebrows and lashes, which suggests she may have had alopecia areata. Advanced imaging techniques have revealed sparse eyelashes, indicating possible madarosis, which can result from various causes such as alopecia areata, syphilis, or other conditions. Despite these medical speculations, the painting remains a representation of idealized beauty, with its simplicity and the girl's captivating gaze. The article also discusses the possibility of syphilis, but the absence of other skin signs and the girl's age support the alopecia areata hypothesis.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    1 / 1 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 1000+ results

      community Alopecia Areata Question

      in Treatment  2 upvotes 4 years ago
      A user with alopecia totalis, borderline universalis, seeks advice on getting into a Xeljanz trial or appealing insurance for coverage. They experienced significant hair regrowth but are now seeing hair loss again and want to try Xeljanz.

      community mbp alopecia areata or vitamin deficiency

      in Chat 1 year ago
      A 19-year-old male has been using topical finasteride and minoxidil for 8 months with no progress and is considering seeking a second opinion due to potential misdiagnosis. The discussion revolves around whether the hair loss is due to male pattern baldness, alopecia areata, or a vitamin deficiency.

      community Olumiant alternative for Alopecia Areata?

      in Treatment  1 upvotes 2 years ago
      A user with alopecia areata is considering treatment options like injections or Olumiant but is concerned about cost and whether delaying treatment will lead to permanent hair loss. They are seeking alternative treatments that are more affordable for a college student.

    Similar Research

    5 / 1000+ results