In: Root » Health » Hair loss
Telogen effluvium is a type of non-scarring hair loss characterized by sudden, widespread hair shedding. Normally, people lose 100 to 150 hairs each day, but you can lose more than 400 or more hairs daily with telogen effluvium! This disease can occur at any age and may be more common in women because of hormonal changes in menopause. It occurs equally in different races. Telogen effluvium occurs when a large number of hair follicles suddenly decide to take a rest at the same time. Then, three to four months later, this formerly resting hair sheds as new hair begins to take its place. Why does a large portion of hair suddenly enter the resting phase and bring about an attack of telogen effluvium? Usually a traumatic event causes the condition (see the following list for some examples). Essentially, in times of stress, the body diverts its energies to something other than growing hair. As a result, the hair goes into a resting stage until the traumatic event subsides. The problem is that after the trauma, the hair can't just start growing again. It first has to be shed, and then you have to wait for new hair to grow in. Common causes of telogen effluvium include the following: An acute illness accompanied by high fever A chronic illness, such as cancer Hormonal changes brought about by childbirth or stopping birth control Sudden changes in diet, including the conditions anorexia and bulimia Medications, such as those used to treat high blood pressure, cholesterol, and seizures Major surgery and general anesthesia Big life changes such as a divorce, death in the family, or loss of a job People with telogen effluvium often seek help from a physician because the shedding is so sudden. Doctors often diagnose telogen effluvium with a hair pull test; pulling out significantly more than 10 percent of the hair indicates telogen effluvium in its early stage. The condition can be either acute, lasting less than six months, or chronic, lasting longer than six months. But there's some good news for telogen effluvium sufferers: After the hairs fall out, they start growing again, so hair loss from telogen effluvium usually isn't permanent. Be patient and your hair will grow back.
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