Telogen effluvium

Abstract

Telogen effluvium (TE) is one of the most common causes of diffuse nonscarring hair loss. In its acute form, it generates a lot of anxiety in the patient, which can be significantly allayed with a confident diagnosis. In its more chronic form, however, the hair loss may go unnoticed for long periods of time. Here in, the dermatologist's role in differentiating it from the more common patterned hair loss is significant. Differentiating TE from other causes of diffuse nonscarring hair loss can indeed be a daunting task and TE is often used as a waste basket diagnosis. A number of factors have been implicated in the causation of TE, however, clear evidence in their support is lacking. The role of stress as a causative factor as well as the result of hair loss needs to be adequately understood. This review aims at summarizing our current level of knowledge with respect to this very common cause of hair loss. An attempt is made to help the readers reliably differentiate TE from other causes of diffuse nonscarring hair loss. The possible causative factors, pathogenetic mechanisms, clinical presentation, and possible treatment options are discussed.

Telogen Effluvium

“…In addition, TE subtype, duration, and clinical course of hair loss should be also questioned. In particular, possible triggering factors within 2-5 months before hair loss begins should be addressed [7]. In the absence of no causative factor, a complete blood count, serum ferritin, biochemical markers, and thyroid function tests should be performed [2].…”

“…In acute TE, hair loss typically begins 2-3 months later than the triggering event, although the triggering factor is unknown in 33% of the cases. However, chronic TE is frequent in healthy females in the fourth to fifth decades [7]. In addition, telogen gravidarum is a variant of TE which follows childbirth.…”

“…Temporary alopecia may develop, since the shorter telogon hair is replaced by the long telogen hair. When the new anagen hair grows within 3-6 months, alopecia resolves [7]. In addition, no genetic cause for TE has been proposed to date [2,9].…”

“…In TE, the distribution of the scalp hair loss is diffuse; however, the bitemporal area may be the most affected area [10,11]. In general, patients do not relate these events to their recent illness and have a concern of baldness [7]. In addition, no scarring or inflammation is present [2,13].…”

Mujer con caída de cabello en el posparto

“…En el ET agudo se produce una caída brusca de cabello a los 2-3 meses del desencadenante, aunque en un 33 % de los pacientes no se identifica ninguna causa (ET agudo idiopático) 7 . Suele ser autolimitado (4-6 meses), y lo esperable, si la causa cesa, es que la recuperación sea completa.…”