Telogen Effluvium

Definition

It is characterized by sudden, diffuse hair loss caused by an interruption in the normal hair growth cycle. A sudden or stressful event can cause the hair follicles to prematurely stop growing and enter into a resting phase. Hair follicles remain in this stage for about 3 months after which a large amount of hair will be shed. Telogen effluviums can be acute or chronic. Telogen Effluvium appears to affect more women than men because more of the precipitating event such as childbirth are experienced by women. Different hairs are in different stages of the cycle at any one time. Hair growth occurs in a cycle which is divided into three phases: The growing, or anagen stage is the predominant phase. A transitional or catagen stage. Resting or telogen stage.

Symptoms of Telogen Effluvium

Symptoms of Telogen Effluvium such as includes:

• In women, thinning of hair in general,which is mainly at the crown. complete balding rarely occurs.
• alopecia areata :In children or young adults sudden loss of patches of hair known as alopecia areata .
• alopecia universalis :Complete loss of all hair on the body; a rare disease called alopecia universalis .
• trichotillomania:A condition involving the eyebrows the child is most likely rubbing or pulling out hair.
• The symptoms which are first noticed include the falling of large numbers of hairs.
• Men generally loses hair on the front hairline and forehead and on top of the head. Only hair around the ears, the sides, and back of the head remains unaffected.

Causes of Telogen Effluvium

Several common causes for telogen effluvium may include:-

• Extreme change in diet or Extreme Weight loss.
• High fever or severe infection.
• Overseas travel resulting in jet lag.
• Iron deficiency.
• Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
• The flu can also cause telogen effluvium.
• Childbirth causes abrupt hormonal changes.
• Major physical trauma.
• Major psychological stress such as nervous shock.

Treatment of Telogen Effluvium

Treatments for telogen effluvium are as:-

• A nutritious diet, with plenty of protein, fruit and vegetables may improve the condition.
• Doctors generally recommend the pills to cure iron deficiency which is also a cause of telogen effluvium.
• Lotion such as minoxidil, Nizoral shampoo and Tricomin Therapy Spray can be used to stimulate the hair growth.
• The disease is self-correcting. However, gentle handling of the hair, avoiding over-vigorous combing and any type of scalp massage are important.