DermHair Clinic
Telogen Effluvium is a form of non-scarring alopecia characterized by diffuse hair shedding, often with an acute onset. It is characterized by massive hair loss as a result of early entry of hairs into the telogen phase. A chronic form with a more insidious onset and a longer duration also exists. Telogen effluvium is a reactive process caused by a metabolic or hormonal stress or by medications. Telogen Effluvium occurs when sudden or severe stress causes an increase in the shedding of the hair, and the stress causes hair roots to be pushed prematurely into the resting state. In other words, with Telogen effluvium, a sudden or stressful event can cause the hair follicles to prematurely stop growing and enter into a resting phase. The hair will then stay in the resting phase for about 3 months after which time a large amount of hair will be shed. Often the person involved will have recovered from the event before the hair loss occurs. Telogen effluvium can affect hair on all parts of the body, but, generally, only loss of scalp hair is symptomatic.
Telogen Effluvium appears to affect more women than men because more of the precipitating events such as childbirth are experienced by women. Some people experience Telogen Effluvium or sudden diffuse hair loss after a traumatic event such as the death of a family member or someone close, an accident, abuse or any other severely traumatic event. A considerable number of other different causes for Telogen Effluvium exist. Among the common causes are high fevers, severe infections, severe chronic illness, severe psychological stress, major surgery or illnesses, over or under active thyroid gland, crash diets with inadequate protein, and a variety of medications. Most hair loss also results from medications such as retinoids, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, antidepressants, and NSAIDS (including ibuprofen). These events may trigger hair follicles to enter the resting phase prematurely in which case an increase in the amount of hair shed will be noticed about 3 months after the event. In most cases the hair loss is temporary and the hair soon recovers. However in some cases where diffuse and sudden hair loss occurs, the hair loss may continue until the underlying cause is treated.
Therefore, do not hesitate and receive treatment today if you are experiencing symptoms of Telogen Effluvium. Contact the Derm Hair Clinic in Los Angeles to set up an appointment with a board certified hair surgeon. Please call (310)318-1500, or visit the website at http://www.dermhairclinic.com
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