Telogen Effluvium: A Review

January 2015 in “ Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research ”

Shashikant Malkud

Telogen Effluvium hair loss non-scarring hair follicles growth phase resting phase shedding scalp biopsy iron supplementation balanced diet vitamins minoxidil TE Rogaine

TLDR Hair loss from Telogen Effluvium usually gets better within 6 months after addressing the cause.

The 2015 review article on Telogen Effluvium (TE) describes it as a common, non-scarring form of hair loss that usually occurs 3 months after a triggering event and lasts about 6 months, though it can persist longer in chronic cases. TE is characterized by a premature shift of hair follicles from the growth phase to the resting phase, leading to increased shedding. Diagnosis involves ruling out other causes through history, blood tests, and occasionally scalp biopsy. There are no specific FDA-approved treatments for TE, but addressing underlying causes is key, and hair regrowth is expected within 3-6 months after eliminating the trigger. Iron supplementation and a balanced diet may be beneficial, but the effectiveness of vitamins and other treatments like minoxidil is not well-established. Counseling patients on the natural progression of TE is considered the best approach.

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