Telogen Effluvium: A Common Form of Hair Loss

The 2019 document outlines Telogen Effluvium (TE), a common form of hair loss that is usually triggered by various factors such as major surgery, childbirth, serious illness, malnutrition, and medications. TE is characterized by an increased shedding of hair due to a higher proportion of hair follicles entering the telogen phase. It can be acute or chronic, with acute TE typically resolving within 6-12 months if the trigger is removed, while chronic TE may last for years. Diagnosis is through patient history, physical examination, and tests like the hair pull test. Treatments mentioned include cosmetic approaches, psychological support, topical minoxidil, nutritional supplements, and other products like CNPDA, Nioxin, and Stemoxydine, although their effectiveness is not definitively established. The document also notes that TE is unlikely to cause complete baldness, with regrowth likely, and that the psychological impact of hair loss should be addressed. The relationship between TE and serum ferritin and Vitamin D levels, as well as the efficacy of some treatments, requires further study. Specific numbers of participants in the studies mentioned are not provided.