Analysis of Microscopic Examination of Pulled Out Hair in Telogen Effluvium Patients

January 2020 in “ Annals of Dermatology ”

So Hee Park, Jung Eun Seol, Do Hyeong Kim, Hyojin Kim

Telogen Effluvium diffuse Alopecia Areata club hair morphological evaluation pulled out hair TE AA

TLDR More atypical club hairs may indicate Telogen Effluvium.

In 2020, researchers conducted a study on 44 Telogen Effluvium (TE) patients, 7 diffuse Alopecia Areata (AA) patients, and 30 healthy volunteers to evaluate the morphological characteristics of pulled out hair. The microscopic examination revealed that 32.7% of TE patients had typical club hair, while the healthy volunteers had a higher percentage of typical club hair (62.7%). The study concluded that an increased presence of atypical club hair might be characteristic of TE. The authors suggested that morphological evaluation of pulled out hairs could be a direct method for diagnosing TE. However, they acknowledged limitations in their study, such as lack of standardization in shampooing schedule of subjects and pulling power in healthy volunteers.

View this study on anndermatol.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

12 / 12 results

research Hair Pull Test: Evidence-Based Update and Revision of Guidelines

36 citations , December 2016 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

The normal range for the hair pull test is 2 hairs or fewer, and washing or brushing hair before the test does not affect the results.

research Evaluation and Diagnosis of the Hair Loss Patient

86 citations , August 2014 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

To diagnose hair loss, use a systematic approach including history, exams, and tests.

research Telogen Effluvium: A Review of Acute and Chronic Forms

67 citations , January 2013 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

Chronic Telogen Effluvium may resolve after years and is diagnosed by examining the patient's history and clinical signs, with treatment aimed at underlying causes and possibly minoxidil.

research Primary Cicatricial Alopecias

18 citations , October 2012 in “Dermatologic Clinics”

Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment are key for managing rare scalp disorders that cause permanent hair loss.

research How to Diagnose Hair Loss

27 citations , September 2012 in “Dermatologic Clinics”

The document concludes that using specific tools and tests is essential for identifying the cause of hair loss and deciding on the right treatment.

research Alopecia Areata Update

391 citations , January 2010 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Half of people with Alopecia Areata may see hair regrowth within a year without treatment, but recovery is unpredictable.

research Diagnosis of Hair Disorders

73 citations , March 2009 in “Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery”

The document concludes that accurate diagnosis of hair disorders is crucial and requires a range of diagnostic methods.

research Hair Physiology and Its Disorders

31 citations , May 2008 in “Drug Discovery Today: Disease Mechanisms”

Different hair growth problems are caused by genetic issues or changes in hair growth cycles, and new treatments are being developed.

research Hair Loss in Women

129 citations , October 2007 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

Over one-third of women experience hair loss, with female-pattern hair loss being most common, and treatments include minoxidil and possibly hair transplantation.

research Exogen Hair Characterization in Human Scalp

35 citations , March 2007 in “Skin Research and Technology”

The conclusion is that exogen is a unique hair cycle phase and the new sampling method specifically targets this stage, which may help in future hair loss research.

research EEMCO Guidance for the Assessment of Hair Shedding and Alopecia

51 citations , January 2004 in “Skin Pharmacology and Physiology”

The document explains hair growth and shedding, factors affecting it, and methods to evaluate hair loss, emphasizing the importance of skin biopsy for diagnosis.

research Assessment of Hair Loss: Clinical Relevance of Hair Growth Evaluation Methods

41 citations , July 2002 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology”

Effective hair loss assessment requires a mix of precise measurement methods.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 577 results

community The Real Cause Of Androgenetic Alopecia

in Research/Science 675 upvotes 11 months ago

Androgenetic alopecia is caused by DHT affecting hair growth. Finasteride and minoxidil are used to manage hair loss by blocking DHT and promoting hair growth.

community Have been on treatment for close to two years, need to know if I should continue or take dut

in Progress Pictures 52 upvotes 1 year ago

A 22-year-old male has been using finasteride, topical minoxidil, and oral minoxidil for hair loss but sees minimal improvement and is considering adding dutasteride. Users suggest additional treatments like dermarolling, PRP, and consulting a dermatologist, or considering a hair transplant.

community 25M Exploring Causes of Hair Loss: TE, Alopecia, or AGA?

in General 226 upvotes 1 month ago

The user is experiencing hair loss with possible causes including chronic telogen effluvium, diffuse alopecia areata, and androgenic alopecia. They have tried treatments like Nizoral shampoo, minoxidil, and finasteride, and are considering a biopsy for further clarity.

community any news about DUPA (Diffuse unpatterned alopecia)?

in Research/Science 9 upvotes 2 years ago

The conversation discusses diffuse unpatterned alopecia (DUPA) and its possible causes, including sensitivity to DHT, not being androgenic alopecia, being diffuse alopecia areata, or hormonal issues. Treatments mentioned include topical melatonin, Clobetasol Propionate for alopecia areata, and the lack of results from using finasteride, dutasteride, and minoxidil.

community If You Have DUPA, PLEASE READ THIS: Everyone Should Be Scalp Biopsied

in Research 830 upvotes 1 year ago

Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

community Calling out diffuse thinners here -- Have you ruled out other factors?

in Treatment 54 upvotes 11 months ago

Diffuse hair loss is often linked to genetics but can also be due to health issues like thyroid problems and low vitamin or iron levels. Treatments include finasteride, minoxidil, and dutasteride, with some seeing improvements after addressing health issues.

Similar Research

5 / 1000+ results

research Systematic Approach to Hair Loss in Women

45 citations , March 2010 in “Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft”

A systematic approach is crucial for managing hair loss in women.

research Histologic Features of Alopecias–Part I: Nonscarring Alopecias

13 citations , February 2015 in “Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas”

The document concludes that recognizing specific histological features of different nonscarring alopecias is crucial for accurate diagnosis and understanding hair loss progression.

research Primary Scalp Alopecia: New Histopathological Tools, New Concepts, and a Practical Guide to Diagnosis

14 citations , September 2016 in “Journal of Cutaneous Pathology”

The document concludes that new methods improve the accuracy of diagnosing scalp alopecia and challenges the old way of classifying it.

Focused Review on Metal Nanoparticles in Hair Regeneration and Alopecia: Insights into Mechanisms, Assessment Techniques, Toxicity, Regulatory and Intellectual Property Perspectives

research Focused Review on Metal Nanoparticles in Hair Regeneration and Alopecia: Insights into Mechanisms, Assessment Techniques, Toxicity, Regulatory and Intellectual Property Perspectives

June 2025 in “Journal of Cluster Science”

Metal nanoparticles show promise for treating hair loss but need more research to ensure safety.

research Laboratory and Experimental Trichology

1 citations , April 2015 in “Current problems in dermatology”

The document concludes that the trichogram is a useful tool for diagnosing hair loss and suggests semi-organ cultures for practical trichological research.