From the Research
Definition and Characteristics of Telogen Effluvium
- Telogen effluvium is a scalp disorder characterized by excessive shedding of hair, and it is one of the most common causes of alopecia 1.
- It can present as acute or chronic hair fall with symptoms such as trichodynia 1.
- The condition is often triggered by factors such as drugs, trauma, emotional and physiological stress, parturition, high fever, major surgery, and certain medication pills 1, 2, 3.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Telogen Effluvium
- Diagnostic tests that can be used to diagnose telogen effluvium include hair wash test, trichogram, phototrichogram, and scalp biopsy 1.
- Treatment of telogen effluvium involves identifying and removing the causative factors, and using drugs such as corticosteroids, minoxidil, and novel treatments such as CNPDA (caffeine, niacinamide, panthenol, dimethicone, and an acrylate polymer) 1.
- Repeated assurance, support, and explanation that the condition represents excessive shedding and not the actual loss of hairs, and it does not lead to baldness, are also important in managing telogen effluvium 2.
Associated Factors and Conditions
- Thyroid dysfunction, particularly hypothyroidism, is a common cause of telogen effluvium, and patients with hypothyroidism have more severe hair loss than those with normal thyroid function or hyperthyroidism 4.
- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies, such as vitamin D, ferritin, and zinc deficiencies, are also associated with telogen effluvium, and laboratory studies should be included in the initial clinical evaluation 5.
- Telogen effluvium can be confused with other conditions such as female pattern hair loss (FPHL) and chronic telogen effluvium (CTE), and biopsy can be used to differentiate between these conditions 2.