What Is Telogen Effluvium?
It’s typical to shed up to 100 hairs per day on your comb, towel, in the shower, or on your pillow, which is a very natural situation. Hairs grow over few more years, then sleep for a few months before shedding and regrowing. The pausing phase of the hair growth cycle is known as telogen. When hair roots are forced early into the deep sleep due to stress, this is known as telogen effluvium. Telogen effluvium is a condition that can be acute or persistent.
If the body is “shocked,” up to 70% of the head hairs are lost in massive amount around 2 months after the “shocking.” Acute telogen effluvium is a rapid surge in hair loss that is frequently characterized as hair coming out in bunches. This is not the same as hair thinning caused by genetics. Nevertheless, only when a considerable portion of hair has been shed, this can be noticed in the less frequent chronic telogen effluvium.
Telogen effluvium can be caused by a variety of different factors. High fevers, delivery, serious infection, severe chronic sickness, extreme emotional trauma, major surgeries or diseases, an overactive or underactive thyroid gland, extreme diets with insufficient proteins, and a number of drugs are some of the most prevalent reasons. Retinoids, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, antidepressants, and NSAIDS are all examples of medicines that cause this sort of baldness.
Usually, rapid widespread hair loss appears from weeks to months after the occurrence that started the hair loss treatment therapy. Although hair loss on the scalp is the most common, some people may experience hair loss somewhere else on the skin. When washing, brushing, or gently massaging the hair, considerable hair loss is common. When the source of hair loss is no more there, loss normally slows down over 6 to 8 months. Because some of the causes are long-term issues, it’s critical to identify the probable reason as soon as possible and take the necessary steps to minimize further hair fall.
In most instances of telogen effluvium, no therapy is required. It’s worth remembering that hairs come out as a new hair grows underneath it and forces it out. Hair coming out is a symptom of regrowing hair in this form of hair loss. A fine strip of new hair is often seen around the frontal hairline when fresh hair emerges from the scalp and forces out the old hair.
The most crucial aspect of telogen effluvium is determining whether or not there is an actual reason for the condition. If the reason isn’t clear, like moderate iron shortage, blood testing may be required. If a medicine is causing the telogen effluvium, the drug must be discontinued. Spontaneous telogen effluvium is normally self-limited and does not require therapy when the source of loss of hair is more like childbirth, a brief sickness, or another self-limited condition.
Overall, it is always a good idea to see a professional if you are concerned about this type of health condition.
How do I know if I have telogen effluvium?
There are two phases to hair growth. Hair is constantly developing throughout the anagen period. It next reaches the telogen, or resting, stage, which lasts two to four years. The hair will normally drop after a few months.
Telogen effluvium occurs when something causes more hair to reach the telogen stage at the same time, resulting in greater baldness and thinning.
If you shampoo or comb your hair, you may observe more hair falling out than normal if you have telogen effluvium. There’s a chance you’ll find extra hair on your mattress. Your hair’s look may alter, making it look weaker across your scalp.
How long does telogen effluvium last?
Telogen Effluvium is one of the most common types of hair loss. It is formed when the hair in the growth period passes quickly to the resting period (telogen stage). It often starts suddenly. Over time, the shedding intensity decreases and can last for 6-8 months.
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