From the Research
Telogen effluvium is primarily managed by addressing the underlying trigger and providing supportive care while waiting for natural hair regrowth, with the most recent and highest quality study suggesting that identifying and removing the precipitating factor is crucial 1. The most important treatment is identifying and removing the precipitating factor, whether it's medication, stress, illness, or nutritional deficiency. Patients should be reassured that this condition is typically self-limiting, with hair regrowth occurring within 6-12 months once the trigger is removed.
Key Treatment Strategies
- Nutritional support may be beneficial, including a balanced diet with adequate protein (0.8-1g/kg/day), iron supplementation if deficient (typically ferrous sulfate 325mg daily), vitamin D (1000-2000 IU daily if deficient), and biotin (2.5mg daily, though evidence is limited) 2.
- Minoxidil 5% solution applied twice daily or 5% foam once daily may help stimulate regrowth in persistent cases, though it requires continuous use 3.
- Gentle hair care practices are essential: avoid harsh chemical treatments, excessive heat styling, tight hairstyles, and use mild shampoos.
- Stress management techniques like meditation, adequate sleep, and regular exercise can help when stress is a contributing factor.
- Recent studies have also explored the use of botulinum toxin A injection and multivitamins mesotherapy as potential treatment options, with promising results 4. The effectiveness of these interventions relates to hair follicle biology - telogen effluvium occurs when hair follicles prematurely enter the resting (telogen) phase, and treatments aim to restore normal hair cycle dynamics by removing triggers and supporting follicular health 5.