Is telogen effluvium reversible?
Telogen effluvium is a form of transient hair loss that occurs as a result of stress, shock, or trauma. It normally starts on the crown of the head.
Telogen effluvium is not the same as alopecia areata, which is a hair loss condition. A person’s hair may fall out in large numbers, but this is normally just temporary, and the hair grows back.
We’ll look at the causes, signs, diagnosis, and treatment of telogen effluvium in this article, as well as any dietary changes that may improve.
What is telogen effluvium?
If a person has chronic telogen effluvium, they have periods of hair shedding that last longer than 6 monthsTrusted Source. Telogen effluvium will usually be reversed.
This disease does not cause a person to lose any of their hair, but it does cause it to become visibly thin.
Hair thinning or an improvement in hair shedding characterizes telogen effluvium, a form of hair loss. It happens most often in women and is normally brought on by a disruption in the hair cycle.
The hair cycle is usually divided into three stages:
- The growth process is also known as anagen.
- Catagen or transitional phase.
- The telogen process is also known as the sleeping phase.
The telogen process is synonymous with telogen effluvium.
Normally, about 5 to 10% of a person’s hair is in the telogen process at any given time.
The anagen process speeds down in telogen effluvium, resulting in fewer hairs entering the next two phases.
In this state, approximately 30% of hair follicles enter the telogen process, which results in hair shedding.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of telogen effluvium is a rise in hair shedding.
When anyone washes or brushes their hair, they can find that more hair is coming out than normal. More hair can also be found in the sink or on their pillow.
Causes
Hair cycle disruptions can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Very tense. Telogen effluvium is a condition caused by prolonged periods of stress. Hair loss usually happens 3 months after a traumatic eventTrusted Source.
Poor dietary habits. Protein, iron, B-vitamins, and zinc are all essential nutrients for hair growth. A lack of these nutrients can affect a person’s hair quality and quantity.
Weight loss that occurs suddenly. Hair loss may occur as a result of weight loss or prolonged calorie restriction, such as in anorexia nervosa.
Pregnancy and childbirth are two of the most stressful times in a woman’s life. More hair is in the development process for a prolonged period of time during breastfeeding. Changes in hormones that last 3 to 6 months Hair loss can occur after birth, according to Trusted Source. Post-partum telogen effluvium is the medical term for this condition.
Menopause is a term used to describe the period when a Telogen effluvium may be caused by hormonal modifications that develop after menopause.
Certain medications. Hair loss may be caused by some prescriptions and recreational substances.
Health issues that lie under the surface. Alopecia areata, infectious disease, thyroid disorders, and alopecia areata are examples of these.
Surgical procedures are performed. The type of surgery, duration of hospital stay, prescriptions, and general nutritional condition all play a role.
Toxicity of metals. Meteorites come into contact with toxic chemicals.
Treatment
Treatment for telogen effluvium is determined by the cause of hair loss. The hair cycle should normalize and hair should continue to grow back until the cause has been identified and discussed.
There are several treatment services available, including:
addressing food deficits by diet non-surgical hair replacement hormone replacement treatment for menopausal women counseling service for stress or anxiety management
Chemical and heat therapies that may damage the hair should be avoided. They should also refrain from using heat on their hair, such as curling or perming it.
The following are some dietary considerations:
Protein is essential for hair growth because it provides the necessary building blocks. Be sure you consume lots of protein-rich foods like beef, eggs, fish, seeds, grains, and nuts in your diet. Lysine, an amino acid, may be especially essential for hair development.
Iron deficiency has been attributed to telogen effluviumTrusted Source. Hair loss can be aided by incorporating iron-rich foods into one’s diet. Red meat, liver, dark green leafy vegetables, beans, and lentils are among them.
If the nutritional status improves, supplementation can be considered for a brief period of time.
Regrowth
After the cause of telogen effluvium has been addressed, hair usually regrows within 3 to 6 monthsTrusted Source. The rate of shedding slows down but does not completely cease. In most cases, just about half of the hair is lost.
Diagnosis
A doctor will examine the hairs that have fallen out to diagnose telogen effluvium.
There are several tests that can be used to diagnose telogen effluvium:
The width and length of the missing hairs will indicate this disorder and help a doctor distinguish it from alopecia.
A hair pull examination can be used to determine how much hair is shed.
A wash measure may be used to count the amount of hairs missing during the washing process.
A blood examination may be helpful in determining the cause of hair loss. These tests will help determine whether you have an iron deficiency or a thyroid problem.
A dermatologist may be able to detect and treat telogen effluvium. Other signs of hair wellbeing may be examined, such as the texture of the scalp, some spots of baldness, or more widespread hair thinning.
Outlook
Temporary hair loss is caused by telogen effluvium. It’s marked by a sudden onset of hair shedding that normally occurs several months after a triggering incident.
It lasts for 6 months on average.
With the exception of chronic telogen effluvium, which lasts longer, Trusted Source While there is no particular cure for hair regrowth, behavioral and nutritional modifications can help.
