What is telogen effluvium?

Some people start to lose hair all of a sudden and this type of non-scarring hair loss is often referred to as telogen effluvium. In the majority of cases, the hair loss is related to stress, a metabolic problem in the body or a reaction to a medication. Almost all individuals recover spontaneously within 4-6 months.

Telogen effluvium can cause hair loss on any part of the body, but it is hair loss on the scalp that is most obvious.

Hair grows in various cycles and the resting phase of hair growth is known as telogen. This resting phase usually lasts about 3 months but can vary few weeks on either side. During the telogen phase, the hair is already inside the hair follicle but has not yet pushed itself onto the skin At anyone point in time, about 10% of hair is in telogen stage. Whenever stress or a physical problem occurs, the telogen phase can be affected. The hairs which are expected to come out of the hair follicle, do not show up and a bald patch appears.

Telogen effluvium is quite common and many adults experience this hair disorder at some pint in their lives. The disorder is only of cosmetic significance and is not life threatening. All races, cultures and both gender can be affected.

Women tend to experience telogen effluvium more than men and this is most obvious just after pregnancy. Women and young adult males also are most alarmed by the hair loss and commonly seek some type of medical help.

Telogen effluvium can occur at any age but is uncommon in infants < 6 months)