Hair shedding that occurs rapidly a few months following surgery, significant weight loss, serious illness, severe fever, starting a new medication, or a stressful life event may indicate telogen effluvium, a common type of hair loss. Telogen effluvium is a non-scarring form of alopecia characterized by rapid hair shedding that is typically not permanent. To learn more about telogen effluvium, its causes, diagnosis, and treatment, continue reading.
Symptoms of telogen effluvium may include a noticeable reduction in hair volume, tenderness on the scalp (trichodynia), and diffuse hair loss all over the scalp. This condition differs from male pattern baldness, which tends to occur in specific areas. Telogen effluvium can affect both men and women of all ages, leading to overall thinning rather than total baldness.
Acute telogen effluvium typically becomes apparent approximately two months after the body experiences a triggering event and may last for several months, usually less than three. If symptoms persist for more than six months, a diagnosis of chronic telogen effluvium may be considered, which can sometimes occur without a specific trigger.
Telogen effluvium is often triggered by a shock to the body, such as illness, injury, or stress, causing hair prematurely in the resting phase to shed in large amounts a few months later. Risk factors for developing telogen effluvium include certain medications, trauma, emotional and physiological stress, surgery, and thyroid disorders. Rapid hair shedding is common in individuals who have experienced significant weight loss, given birth, undergone high-stress situations, recovered from illness, undergone surgery, or stopped taking certain medications like birth control pills.
Fortunately, telogen effluvium shedding is typically temporary and tends to resolve on its own after a period of time.
Telogen Effluvium Diagnosis and Treatment
A diagnosis of telogen effluvium by a healthcare provider typically involves a physical examination of the scalp to look for signs of hair loss, as well as possibly conducting a hair-pull test. During this test, the provider gently pulls a certain number of hairs to determine the extent of hair shedding, which can be indicative of telogen effluvium. To pinpoint the cause of the condition, the healthcare provider may inquire about your diet, medical history, current medications, and recent traumas or stress. Blood tests may also be ordered to rule out underlying medical issues, such as hypothyroidism.
Treatment for telogen effluvium is often unnecessary as the condition tends to resolve on its own once the underlying trigger, such as stress or illness, is addressed. However, seeking medical advice is recommended to ensure proper management. Treatment options may include maintaining a balanced diet, using topical minoxidil, considering finasteride, and utilizing hair growth products.
Nutritious eating is essential to address potential nutrient deficiencies that may contribute to hair loss. A diet rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins, and healthy fats can support hair health. Supplementing with vitamins may also help restore hair quality, such as iron supplements for iron deficiency-related hair loss.
Minoxidil, an FDA-approved topical treatment, can aid in reducing hair loss by transitioning hairs from the resting phase to the active growth phase. Although temporary shedding may occur initially, consistent application of minoxidil can lead to visible regrowth within a few months.
Finasteride, another FDA-approved medication, is commonly used for male pattern baldness caused by genetics. While not typically prescribed for telogen effluvium, it may be considered in certain cases where excess DHT plays a role in hair loss.
Consulting with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and treatment recommendations is crucial for effectively managing telogen effluvium and promoting hair regrowth.
Male pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is a common condition that can affect men. Finasteride tablets are a prescription medication used to treat this type of hair loss. In addition to the oral medication, there is an over-the-counter topical version available. Combining these two FDA-approved treatments could be beneficial for managing hair loss.
While waiting for new hair to grow, it’s important to take care of your existing hair and scalp. Using high-quality haircare products can help address thinning hair and minimize the appearance of shedding. Avoid using harsh chemicals and styling techniques that can strain your scalp, such as tight ponytails or cornrows, as they can damage hair follicles.
For cases where hair loss is due to inflammation in the body, corticosteroids may be recommended to help reduce symptoms and promote hair regrowth. Preventing hair loss is always preferable to treating it, and there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of telogen effluvium. These include maintaining a balanced diet, avoiding crash dieting, taking supplements to address nutritional deficiencies, managing stress, addressing medical conditions like thyroid disorders promptly, and treating illnesses and infections as soon as symptoms appear.
While hair regrowth typically occurs naturally with telogen effluvium, seeking medical advice is recommended if you have concerns about hair loss or are considering treatment options. Remember that expert guidance is essential in addressing any hair loss concerns effectively.
This information was originally published on Hims.com and has been syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
