Everyone’s dream is long, beautiful hair, and having lucious locks that we can show off. Sadly, it is not always like that, there are certain circumstances in which our hair is affected and one of them is telogen effluvium. This type of baldness compromises our hair and makes it look less abundant and unkept.
Alopecia is the loss of hair, be it temporary or permanent. There are different types of baldness, and telogen effluvium is one of them. If you believe you might be suffering from this condition, keep reading and learn everything about this ailment.
What is telogen effluvium
It is the progressive hair loss due to an illness, which slowly lessens the hair follicles, causing the hair to fall out. It is a decrease in the hair volume. During this process, the hair gets parched and starts getting limp and thin.
It affects all of the head. The loss of hair is widespread. But in this affliction there is no peeling, irritation or inflammation in the scalp. This is why it’s possible to recover hair once the cause of the loss is eliminated.
Who is affected by this condition
There are types of alopecia that affect one sex more than the other. But in the case of telogen effluvium there is no gender distinction. It affects both men and women in the same way, as the causes and symptoms are the same for both. Generally, this type of baldness appears after the 30s. However, there are times when teenagers also suffer from it.
How to recognize telogen effluvium
The loss of a certain amount of hair strands is normal. But when you suffer from telogen effluvium, the hair falls in a greater amount. You also lose volume and start getting patches in various areas of the head.
When you suffer from this kind of alopecia, the hair starts getting straighter, thinner and parched. This is a symptom you should have in mind. Then it begins falling out and you may notice you have less than before. It is not a limited baldness.
You won’t see big patches on your scalp, this is one of the most apparent signs. Telogen effluvium makes you lose volume in all of your hair, not specific areas. If you see this happening, you may be suffering from this affliction.
Symptoms of telogen effluvium
- Weakening of the hair strands.
- Hair that becomes limp and parched.
- Bigger amount of hair strands in the hair brush, clothes and pillow.
- Notorious loss of volume.
- Patches in all the head.
Causes of telogen effluvium
There are various causes that result in this type of alopecia, between them we have:
- Liver, kidney or intestinal diseases.
- Any hormonal alteration. As it’s the case with menopause, pregnancy, giving birth or being on birth control. In this stages of a woman’s life is when this type of baldness is most diagnosed.
- Thyroid problems. This gland is related to the production of hormones and this is why when they do not function correctly they may cause hair loss.
- Lack of minerals and nutrients. Due to an unbalanced diet, low in proteins, vitamins and minerals.
- Situations of stress and anxiety. Also cases of depression, loss of a job, the death of a loved one, problem with children and moving can lead to hair loss.
- Medication like antidepressants, birth control, anti-inflammatory pills and some beta-blockers may generate weakening in the hair and the consequent fall of it.
- Treatments like quemo and radiotherapy.
- Trauma, surgical operarions.
- Bad hair hygiene. The use of non-adequate products. Quemicals and overheating can also harm the scalp and lead to hair loss.
How is tellogen effluvium diagnosed
The first thing to observe is if the symptoms have appeared. Once it’s confirmed they exist, one must check if it is a case of androgenic alopecia, tellogen effluvium or both at once.
Then, the cause that is triggering the baldness has to be determined, so the right treatment can be applied.
Is tellogen effluvium reversible
There are some cases of alopecia like androgenic and areata where it’s impossible to recover hair. But when we talk about tellogen effluvium, it is not necessarily permanent.
Even if it can be permanent in some cases, it’s reversible in most cases. Once the disorder or illness that causes the hair loss is overcomed, this can grow back. When it’s temporary, it does not require a specific treatment. But it does require the necessary cares to strengthen the scalp and regenerate the hair.
Treatments for tellogen effluvium when it’s permanent
The cases in which this type of alopecia is permanent are fewer. But it’s convenient to know which treatments exists to solve this problem. Not in all cases the hair is recovered. But the fall is stopped and the hair lasts for a longer time.
- Like finasteride, that acts over the follicular root, reversing alopecia.
- It is a foam or liquid applied on the scalp to thicken the hair and stop hair loss.
- Dutasteride microinjections. The antiandrogen molecule is infiltrated directly on the scalp. 2 to 4 sessions a year must be done.
- Platelet rich plasma. Blood is extracted from the person that suffers from alopecia. It is centrifuged to isolate the portion containing platelet derived growth factors,. Lastly, it is infiltrated on the scalp.
Treatments for tellogen effluvium when it’s reversible
In the case that tellogen effluvium is reversible, the cause that generates it must be identified and eliminated. Once the problem disappears, the hair will begin regenerating in approximately six months. It is extremely important to maintain a healthy diet and a great hair hygiene.