Telogen Effluvium
Telogen effluvium is a form of nonscarring alopecia characterized by diffuse hair shedding, often with an acute
onset. A chronic form with a more insidious onset and a longer duration also exists. Telogen effluvium is a
reactive process caused by a metabolic or hormonal stress or by medications. Generally, recovery is spontaneous
and occurs within 6 months.
The most important issue in telogen effluvium is to determine if an underlying cause for the problem is present.
Blood tests may need to be done if the cause is not obvious, such as mild iron deficiency. If the telogen
effluvium is caused by a medication, the medication needs to be stopped. When the cause of the hair loss is
something like giving birth, a transient illness, or other self-limited problem the induced telogen effluvium
is also usually self-limited and requires no treatment.
Most cases of telogen effluvium can be diagnosed based on medical history and an examination of the scalp and hair.
If the hair loss has been occurring for several months, there may be visible thinning patches, but often the hair
loss is not dramatic enough for a doctor to notice. If you have large bald patches, you probably don't have telogen
effluvium. If the doctor gently tugs on some hairs on your scalp and four or more hairs come out, you probably have
telogen effluvium. Also, the hairs will look like hairs in the telogen phase — they will have a white bulb at the
end that was in the scalp, and will not have a gel-like covering around that end of the hair.
Telogen effluvium is self-correcting. It is really not influenced by any treatment that can be given. However,
gentle handling of the hair, avoiding over-vigorous combing, brushing and any type of scalp massage are important.
You should also ensure a nutritious diet, with plenty of protein, fruit and vegetables.
The doctor may check your levels of iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid, as any deficiency in these can slow hair growth.