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Telogen
Effluvium
A look at the causes and the only proven treatments for Telogen
effluvium, a condition characterized by sudden diffuse hair loss.
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If you or a loved one is suffering from Telogen Effluvium, it
is important that you educate yourself on the condition. We have all the
important information here.
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Telogen Effluvium
A condition resulting in general thinning of the hair over
a period of months. Often called "shedding", it
is most commonly experienced by those who have just given
birth, or are undergoing Chemotherapy.
Picture of Telogen Effluvium in a child |
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Understanding
the Hair Cycle
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Telogen Effluvium, by nature, is a condition directly related to
the cycles of hair growth everyone experiences. External conditions result
in a disruption of this normal cycle. In order to understand the nature
of Telogen Effluvium, and what makes it different from other forms of
hair loss, you should have a general understanding of how hair cycles.
Under normal conditions, follicles will always continue to produce
hair. Of the 100,000 to 150,000 follicles on the scalp, 95% of
them are in an active growth phase called Anagen, which lasts approximately
2.5 years. The remainder have completed their growth phase, and are "at
rest". This phase is called Telogen, and these hairs typically remain
in the scalp for about three months before they are shed. Hairs are typically
shed during shampooing, combing or brushing, at a rate of about 50 to
80 per day. If the hair is shampooed only once a week, several hundred
hairs may be lost simultaneously, representing the accumulated Telogen
hairs over several days.
Hair cycles in periods of growth (anagen), cessation of growth (catagen),
and resting/loss (Telogen) phases. It is Telogen hairs that we see in
the environment on a regular basis. If a significant number of hair follicles
simultaneously enter into resting phase (Telogen), the clinical result
is likely to be Telogen Effluvium. In other conditions such as Androgenetic
Alopecia in Men and Women, you see an increase in the number of hairs
in Telogen over a period of years, instead of months. Telogen effluvium
is the shedding of hairs that have been prematurely pushed from the anagen
(growth) phase into the Telogen (resting) phase. Anagen hairs are firmly
attached at the roots whereas Telogen hairs are loosely attached and hence
fall off easily. This sudden abnormal change in hair growth dynamics is
temporary and may be precipitated by illness, childbirth, drugs, stress
and crash dieting. Telogen effluvium is totally reversible and management
is expectant until the next androgen growth phase becomes reestablished.
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Diagnosing
Telogen Effluvium
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The meaning of the phrase Telogen (The resting/shedding phase of
the hair cycle) Effluvium (meaning a exhalation or emanation) is indicative
of its nature. The causes of this condition, as mentioned above, are typically
some form of extreme trauma to the system. One should see a qualified
dermatologist to obtain an accurate diagnosis.
Since Telogen Effluvium is a term that can be coined for many types of
hair loss, to label ones-self as having "Telogen effluvium"
can be a rather vague statement. Indeed, many hair loss conditions result
in an increase in Telogen hairs, and it can be logically stated that each
of these people is experiencing Telogen effluvium. Some men on Propecia
or Rogaine report a period during the first three months where they lose
more hair, at a more rapid rate than normal. These men are experiencing
Telogen Effluvium.
Determining whether you have TE is therefore more an exercise of reviewing
the type of loss you have (TE sufferers see a rapid diffuse thinning throughout
the scalp), reviewing events of the past 5 months of your life (TE sufferers
typically have had some sort of traumatic event occur), and having the
bloodwork done by a physician to rule out other conditions which might
be occurring - such as Androgenetic Alopecia. These other conditions can
many times cause TE, and are a result of an abnormality in the hormonal
levels or other easily rectifiable issues.
It is important that you educate yourself on the various forms of Alopecia
as stated on this site, and that you see a qualified dermatologist to
help effectively diagnose your condition.
Finding a Doctor: The American Academy
of Dermatology has a Physician
Referral Service. There you can type in your city and see a list of
dermatologists in your area. Click each name and find the section labeled
"Specialties". If Alopecia or Hair Loss is not listed verbatim,
read through the rest of their profile and see if it is mentioned. If
you are unable to find a specialist in your area, make use of the AAD's
more broad Statewide
Search. You will be presented with all the registered Dermatologists
in your state by City. Some have profiles, some don't, but all have contact
information. It is worth the work to print out a list and call them one
by one, and inquire as to the physicians experience with Alopecia Areata.
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Hair
Loss Video Webcast |
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Causes
of Telogen Effluvium
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As mentioned previously, TE is typically caused by a traumatic
event which occurred several months prior, in the system of the person
experiencing it. The most common causes are Childbirth, Chemotherapy,
Severe Infection, Severe Chronic Illness, Severe Psychological Stress,
Major Surgery, Hypo or Hyperthyroidism, Crash Diets resulting in poor
health or inadequate protein, and medications. It is these factors which
cause a disruption in the normal hair cycle and result in a premature
cessation of the Anagen (growth) phase. Hairs enter into Telogen, and
within 2 to 5 months, the hair begins to fall.
During pregnancy, more hair follicles are maintained in the growth phase.
After pregnancy, a greater proportion of these hairs go into the resting
phase, causing a temporary, self-correcting increased shedding of the
hair. The same phenomenon can be seen after stopping birth control pills.
The flu or stress can also cause Telogen effluvium.
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Treatments for
Telogen Effluvium
Since TE is a result
of a past traumatic event on the system, it typically reverses
itself as that particular event no longer exists. It may take
several months before the hair grows back in. Consequently,
there are no treatments, per se, for TE. One can focus on
products that have been proven to stimulate growth, such as
Rogaine , Tricomin Therapy Spray, or Nizoral Shampoo, but
if the cause of the condition is gone, these simply speed
up the turnaround time for regrowth. This could be considered
a "treatment".
Ruling out Other causes: It
is important that you rule out other potential causes of your
rapid thinning. Whether you are a man or a woman, there are
a handful of potential causes, and you should educate yourself
on the various forms of Alopecia before assuming you're experiencing
TE.
HairlossTalk Recommendation: Please be advised
that these treatments are only recommended after complete
bloodwork has been done, and with the consent of your physician.
» For men and women, Tricomin
Therapy Spray is recommended
» Rogaine for Women, and Rogaine 5% for men may
also be helpful, however it is important to note that both
of these treatments can cause a temporary shedding period
of their own. |
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Please note that all treatments mentioned above must be continued
regularly until hair growth occurs, and even after it occurs in order
to maintain it.
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Telogen
Effluvium - Recommended Resources |
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