Telogen Effluvium: Comprehensive Overview and Treatment

The document from 2008 provides a comprehensive overview of Telogen Effluvium (TE), a hair loss condition characterized by increased shedding due to the premature transition of hair follicles from the growth phase to the resting phase. It describes the clinical presentation of TE, including a perceived loss of more than 25% scalp hair density, and emphasizes the importance of identifying triggers such as hormonal changes, stress, nutritional deficiencies, and systemic illnesses for effective treatment. Diagnostic techniques like hair collections, pull tests, and scalp biopsies are mentioned, along with treatments that focus on addressing the underlying triggers. The document also discusses the potential for TE to uncover other conditions like androgenetic alopecia or autoimmune diseases and highlights the necessity of a thorough patient history and laboratory tests in guiding diagnosis and treatment. It notes that protein, caloric, and fatty acid deficiencies can induce TE, and that certain drugs and scalp conditions can also be triggers. Treatments such as minoxidil, antiandrogens, and hormonal therapies are mentioned, with the overall treatment goal being to manage the triggers and monitor the condition's progression and response to treatment.