What is Telogen Effluvium?
Telogen effluvium is a form of temporary hair loss that occurs due to the shedding of hair in the
telogen phase of the hair growth cycle. This condition is often a result of physiological or psychological stress, hormonal changes, or nutritional deficiencies.
Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle
To comprehend telogen effluvium, it's essential to understand the normal hair growth cycle, which consists of three main phases: Anagen (growth phase): Lasts 2-7 years, where hair actively grows.
Catagen (transitional phase): Lasts around 2-3 weeks, where hair growth slows down.
Telogen (resting phase): Lasts about 3 months, where hair rests before shedding.
Histological Features of Telogen Effluvium
In telogen effluvium, a histological examination of the
scalp biopsy reveals an increased number of
telogen hair follicles compared to the anagen follicles. Normally, about 10-15% of hair follicles are in the telogen phase, but in telogen effluvium, this percentage can rise significantly, sometimes up to 50% or more.
Causes of Telogen Effluvium
Several factors can trigger telogen effluvium, including: Stress: Both emotional and physical stress can disrupt the hair growth cycle.
Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, menopause, and thyroid imbalances can lead to hair shedding.
Nutritional deficiencies: Lack of essential nutrients like iron, vitamin D, and zinc can affect hair health.
Medications: Certain drugs, such as antidepressants and blood thinners, can cause telogen effluvium.
Illness: Severe illnesses or surgeries can shock the hair follicles into the telogen phase.
Diagnosis of Telogen Effluvium
The diagnosis of telogen effluvium is usually based on clinical history and physical examination. A
hair pull test may be performed, where several hairs are gently pulled to see how many easily come out. Additionally, a scalp biopsy can provide histological evidence of increased telogen hair follicles.
Treatment and Prognosis
Telogen effluvium is typically a self-limiting condition, and hair growth often resumes within 6-9 months once the underlying cause is addressed. Treatment focuses on managing the triggering factors, such as reducing stress, correcting nutritional deficiencies, and adjusting medications if necessary. In some cases, topical treatments like
minoxidil may be recommended to stimulate hair growth.
Conclusion
Telogen effluvium is a common and often temporary form of hair loss that can be distressing but is usually reversible. Understanding the histological features and underlying causes can help in the effective diagnosis and management of this condition.
