Telogen Effluvium: Understanding Causes and Management
Telogen Effluvium is a type of hair loss characterized by excessive shedding due to a significant number of hair follicles entering the telogen (resting) phase prematurely. This condition can be triggered by various factors, including:
Physical or Emotional Stress: Events such as major surgery, severe illness, emotional trauma, or significant weight loss can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to telogen effluvium.
Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations due to childbirth, pregnancy, thyroid disorders, or starting or stopping birth control pills can trigger hair loss.
Dietary Deficiencies: Inadequate intake of essential nutrients such as iron, protein, vitamins, or minerals can disrupt normal hair growth.
Medications: Certain medications, including antidepressants, anticoagulants, beta-blockers, and retinoids, can cause telogen effluvium as a side effect.
Chronic Illness: Conditions such as autoimmune diseases, chronic infections, or cancer can disrupt the hair growth cycle and lead to hair loss.
Management of telogen effluvium involves identifying and addressing the underlying cause, ensuring proper nutrition, managing stress levels, and consulting with a healthcare professional for personalized treatment recommendations. In most cases, hair growth resumes once the underlying trigger is resolved, although it may take several months for hair density to return to normal.
Anagen Effluvium: Identifying Triggers and Treatment
Anagen Effluvium is a type of hair loss that occurs during the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle, leading to abrupt and widespread hair shedding. Common triggers include:
Chemotherapy: Certain chemotherapeutic agents target rapidly dividing cells, including hair follicles, resulting in hair loss.
Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy to the head or neck area can damage hair follicles and cause hair loss.
Toxins: Exposure to toxins such as heavy metals, arsenic, or thallium can disrupt the hair growth cycle and lead to hair loss.
Management of anagen effluvium depends on identifying and discontinuing the offending agent whenever possible. Supportive care, such as scalp cooling during chemotherapy, may help reduce hair loss. Hair regrowth typically occurs once the hair follicles recover, although the hair may be thinner or have a different texture initially.
