There are many causes of hair loss. Some people come in complaining of hair shedding or thinning from all over the scalp. The hairs fall out in the shower, when brushing their hair, or when running one’s fingers through their hair. The hairs have a little bulb on the end of them.
While this rapid hair loss is quite alarming, it is self-limited as it will stop and the hair will regrow.
What is Telogen Effluvium?
Telogen effluvium is a condition that results after a stress. This can be a physical stress, such as having surgery, fever, or other illness. This can also be from a mental stress, such as the loss of a loved one, moving, or a break-up.
After this stressful event, the hairs get shocked and go into the resting phase (telogen phase). A few months later (often three) one notices hairs starting to fall out in the shower, while brushing their hair, or when running their fingers through their hair. So what is going on?
Why does one get Telogen Effluvium?
Under “normal” circumstances, about 90% of our hairs are in the growth phase (anagen phase). On the scalp, this growth phase lasts 2 or more years after which they transition to the resting state (telogen phase). This phase lasts a few months and then the hairs return to the anagen phase.
When there is a stress on the body, up to 50% of the hairs may enter the telogen phase. Approximately three months later, this results in noticeable hair shedding that can last about 3 months. The good news is that the hair will regrow and return to its normal state. As the hair has to regrow to the length of the surrounding hair, this can take months or years depending upon how long one wears their hair.
How do you treat Telogen Effluvium?
The disease is self-limited and no treatment is needed. It will run its course and the hair will return. That’s the good news.
Try to be gentle with the hair, brush carefully, reduce stress, and eat a healthy diet that has good protein sources. Using medications, such as topical minoxidil, may be helpful, but it can be difficult to know when to stop and, when doing so, may result in hair loss.
In most cases, one should consider treatment when the hair loss continues for more that 4 to 6 months. Chronic telogen effluvium, where the hair sheds for more than 5 or 6 months, has been reported for those who are chronically sick, but this is not common.