Postpartum Telogen Effluvium Unmasking Traction Alopecia

January 2022 in “ Skin appendage disorders ”

Aman Samrao, Paradi Mirmirani

postpartum Telogen Effluvium Telogen Effluvium Traction Alopecia hair shedding hair follicle frontal scalp temporal scalp tight hairstyles postpartum TE TE TA

Studysummary This case series reported that telogen effluvium may reveal underlying traction alopecia, emphasizing the importance of recognizing this to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The document discusses a case series involving 3 patients aged 32, 43, and 33 who experienced postpartum Telogen Effluvium (TE), a type of diffuse hair shedding, which revealed underlying Traction Alopecia (TA), a hair loss disorder caused by chronic tension on the hair follicle. All patients reported hair loss after childbirth, initially diffuse but later localized to the frontal and temporal scalp, and had a history of wearing tight hairstyles. The study concludes that TE can unmask underlying TA, and it's important for healthcare providers to be aware of this for accurate diagnosis and treatment. The study also emphasizes the need to consider TA in patients with persistent or new onset hair loss after postpartum TE.

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