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Telogen Effluvium
Telogen effluvium (TE) is probably the second most common form of hair loss dermatologists see. It is a poorly defined condition; very little research has been done to understand TE. In essence though, TE happens when there is a change in the number of hair follicles growing hair. If the number of hair follicles producing hair drops significantly for any reason during the resting, or telogen phase, there will be a significant increase in dormant, telogen stage hair follicles. The result is shedding, or TE hair loss.
The causes of telogen effluvium are varied and can be of variable intensity. Some of the common causes of telogen effluvium are temporary and hair growth recovers after a short period of time. Other causes of telogen effluvium are more persistent and consequently the hair loss continues. The causes of telogen effluvium are divided into the following categories:
- General causes
- Inadequate diet
- Stress
The treatment of telogen effluvium depends on the causes. This severe form of alopecia can be caused by several reasons like major surgery. When surgery is the reason the best response is to wait for the follicles to recover of their own accord.
But sometimes a specific causal factor cannot be identified. If this is the case, there are few treatment options. Most dermatologists resort to prescribing minoxidil. Minoxidil is a direct hair growth stimulator; it promotes the telogen hair follicles to follow their normal cyclical growth by inducing the anagen growth phase.
Minoxidil can work well for some individuals with telogen effluvium. Until the underlying cause of TE is resolved, minoxidil use has to be continued to block the redevelopment of the hair disease. Once the promoting trigger of the severe hair disease is removed, minoxidil use can be stopped.
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