Telogen effluvium
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| Telogen effluvium | |
|---|---|
| File:Malnurished Afghan Child.jpg | |
| Synonyms | |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Hair loss, thinning hair |
| Complications | |
| Onset | |
| Duration | |
| Types | |
| Causes | Stress, malnutrition, pregnancy, surgery, illness |
| Risks | |
| Diagnosis | Clinical diagnosis, trichoscopy |
| Differential diagnosis | Alopecia areata, androgenetic alopecia |
| Prevention | |
| Treatment | Addressing underlying cause, minoxidil |
| Medication | |
| Prognosis | Generally good, often resolves on its own |
| Frequency | Common |
| Deaths | N/A |
Telogen effluvium is a form of hair loss characterized by the shedding of hair due to a disruption in the normal hair growth cycle. It is one of the most common types of alopecia and is often temporary.
Pathophysiology[edit]
The human hair growth cycle consists of three phases: the anagen phase (growth phase), the catagen phase (transitional phase), and the telogen phase (resting phase). In telogen effluvium, a significant number of hair follicles prematurely enter the telogen phase, leading to increased hair shedding.
Causes[edit]
Telogen effluvium can be triggered by various factors, including:
- Physical or emotional stress: Events such as surgery, childbirth, or severe psychological stress can precipitate telogen effluvium.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Lack of essential nutrients, such as iron deficiency or protein malnutrition, can lead to hair loss. The image depicts a malnourished child, highlighting the impact of nutritional deficiencies on hair health.
- Hormonal changes: Conditions like thyroid disorders or changes in hormonal levels can affect hair growth.
- Medications: Certain drugs, including anticoagulants and retinoids, may induce telogen effluvium.
- Illness: Severe infections or chronic illnesses can disrupt the hair growth cycle.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of telogen effluvium is primarily clinical, based on the patient's history and physical examination. A hair pull test may be performed, where gentle traction is applied to a group of hairs to assess the degree of shedding. In some cases, a scalp biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment of telogen effluvium focuses on addressing the underlying cause. Once the trigger is identified and managed, hair growth typically resumes within 3 to 6 months. Supportive care, such as maintaining a balanced diet and reducing stress, can aid in recovery.
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for telogen effluvium is generally favorable, as it is often a self-limiting condition. Most individuals experience full regrowth of hair, although the time frame can vary depending on the cause and individual response.
