This is a non scarring or diffuse type of hair loss, where hair follicles are alive and therefore hair regrowth is possible. Diffuse hair loss usually causes sudden metabolic changes, emotional stress or hormonal imbalances. Telogen effluvium hair loss starts immediately 3 months after triggering an event and could last till 6 months and further progresses to Chronic Telogen Effluvium.
Most common causes are –
- Major Surgery,
- Crash diet, emotional stress,
- Malaria, tuberculosis,
- nutritional deficiency.
- Postpartum or pregnancy
- Excessive bleeding
Hair shedding is a typical sign of Telogen Effluvium.
Other signs are –
- Bunch of hair comes during washing, combing or hairstyling
- Pull test comes positive
- Dry hair strands
- Hair comes with a white sheath around it
- Change in a hair colour observed
During consultation hair pull tests will be done to check how many hair strands come out. Usually 3-4 strands are considered to be normal, whereas Telogen Effluvium people could show around 40 hair strands at single pull.
Some important things help to prevent Telogen effluvium if followed regularly – such as moderate sleep, understanding stress response, eating healthy and seasonal food,
In many cases, Telogen effluvium resolves itself within 7-8 months. Also, proper patient counseling to understand the hair cycle plays an important role. Treatment differs according to the underlying cause.