Telogen effluvium - Hair Loss in young women

What is Telogen effluvium?

Telogen effluvium is the name for a common cause of temporary hair loss due to the excessive shedding of resting or telogen hair after some shock to the system. New hair continues to grow. Telogen hair is also known as a club hair due to the shape of the root.

It should be distinguished from anagen effluvium, in which the hair shedding is due to interruption of active or anagen hair growth by drugs, toxins or inflammation (eg,alopecia areata). Anagen hair has a pointed or tapered tip.

Who gets Telogen Effluvium?

Acute telogen effluvium can affect people of all age groups and both sexes. Common in young females. Chronic telogen effluvium with no clear precipitating cause tends to present in otherwise healthy women 20–60 years of age.

What is the cause of Telogen Effluvium?

A variety of factors can trigger a disturbance in the normal hair cycle.

· Stress, shock or trauma

· Pregnancy and childbirth

· Menopause

· Poor diet

· Certain drugs

· Surgery

. Underlying medical conditions

How Telogen Effluvium is diagnosed?

Dermatologist use trichoscope to identify the hair and scalp conditions

Telogen Effluvium Treatment

Once the triggers of telogen effluvium are rectified, hair can grow back with the following solutions:

1. Correcting Nutritional Deficiencies through Diet

Increase your intake of protein, vitamins and minerals like zinc and iron. Foods that are enriched with nutrients for hair include eggs, dairy, omega-3 fatty acids, nuts, spinach, sweet potatoes, avocados, berries and so on.

2. Opt For Gentle Hair Care

Switch to gentle hair care that suits your hair. Say no to toxic ingredients like sulfates, parabens, alcohols, fragrances, dyes, etc. in shampoos and conditioners. Keep heat styling like straightening, blow drying and curling for special occasions. Visit salons less frequently for your dyeing, perming or bleaching sessions.

3. Medication

Minoxidil (2 or 5% strength) can be applied on the scalp during the night. It functions by prolonging the anagen or growth phase of hair.

4. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

5. Management of Stress

Turn to healthy ways to manage stress. Yoga asanas, pranayama or breathing exercises and meditation are all safest bets.

Telogen Effluvium Diet

Nutrient Foods

Vitamin A

Carrots, spinach, milk, eggs, yogurt, cod liver oil, red pepper, broccoli, peas, apricot, pumpkin.

Vitamin E

Nuts, peanuts, hazelnuts, vegetable oil, wheat germ, spinach, kale, and almonds.

Vitamin B7

Almonds, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, peanuts, walnuts, milk, salmon, cereals, avocados, raspberries.

Vitamin C

Citrus fruits like lemon, oranges, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, peppers, spinach, cabbage, brussels sprouts, guava, parsley.

Vitamin D

Mushrooms, grains, fortified juices, fish, low-fat fortified milk.

Protein

Eggs, meat, fish, tofu, yogurt, cottage cheese, legumes, nuts, whole grains.

Iron

Meat, spinach, oyster, chicken, green leafy vegetables, fish and legumes.

Zinc

Nuts, pumpkin seeds, beef, eggs, dairy, meat, shellfish, legumes, potatoes, green beans, dark chocolate and whole grains.

How Long Does It Take To Recover From Telogen Effluvium?

Telogen effluvium is a self correcting condition, meaning it can resolve itself in 3-6 months. With treatment you can grow hair and expect a full recovery in about 6-12 months.