Telogen Effluvium Due to Recombinant Interferon Alpha-2b

    January 1992 in “ Dermatology ”
    Antonella Tosti, Cosimo Misciali, Federico Bardazzi, Píer Alessandro Fanti, C Varotti
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    TLDR Half of the patients treated with a specific drug for skin cancer experienced hair loss not related to the drug's dosage.
    In a study from 1992, 5 out of 10 patients aged 41-55 years undergoing long-term treatment with recombinant interferon α-2b (rIFN α-2b) for primary cutaneous melanoma reported significant hair loss, diagnosed as telogen effluvium through a pull test and trichogram. Telogen effluvium is characterized by an increased number of hair follicles entering the telogen, or resting, phase. Despite continuing treatment, 2 patients showed improvement in their telogen count, while the remaining 3 patients did not show improvement until the interferon therapy was discontinued. Pohl-Pinkus hair constrictions were also observed in 2 patients. The study concluded that telogen effluvium can be a side effect of rIFN α-2b therapy, and its onset and severity were not directly related to the dosage of the drug.
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      community Telogen Effluvium/Chronic TE and immune-related hair loss advice

       4 upvotes 7 years ago
      Chronic Telogen Effluvium can be managed by avoiding inflammatory foods, exercising, staying hydrated, and using supplements like krill oil, saw palmetto, or licorice root. Minoxidil is discouraged due to its cost and potential for worsening hair loss, while castor oil is recommended to strengthen hair roots and reduce shedding.

      community My Telogen Effluvium journey after a bad Keratin Treatment

      in Female  6 upvotes 2 years ago
      A user shared their experience with telogen effluvium triggered by a keratin treatment, leading to significant hair loss. They found improvement using aloe vera with rosemary, a protein and iron-rich diet, and patience.

      community Been diagnosed with telogen effluvium and MPB

      in Chat  3 upvotes 5 months ago
      A 21-year-old male diagnosed with telogen effluvium and male pattern baldness started oral finasteride, which initially slowed hair loss and slightly thickened hair, but experienced increased shedding after surgery. The doctor recommended iron and vitamin D supplements, and the user is seeking additional advice.

      community Is 2years+ telogen effluvium possible?

      in Finasteride/Dutasteride  2 upvotes 1 year ago
      The user has been losing hair for over two years despite taking dutasteride and RU58841, even increasing dutasteride to 2.5mg. They are questioning if their hair loss could be due to telogen effluvium instead.

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