Telogen effluvium is a form of temporary hair loss that typically happens when a person has experienced extreme stress, shock, or some traumatic event. It is generally reversible by giving it time and making changes to either habit or environment.
How Long Does Telogen Effluvium Last?
In most cases, telogen effluvium can typically last three to six months before entering the shedding phase of hair growth. Cases can last longer, some a year or more, if the underlying causes are not addressed and dealt with. Identifying these triggers are the key to shortening the duration and restoring normal hair cycle patterns.
Do Telogen Effluvium Hairs Grow Back?
As the condition affects the growth cycle rather than the follicles themselves, the good news is that affected telogen effluvium hairs almost always grow back. Once the trigger that caused the condition is corrected or resolved, the hair can begin returning to normal growth cycles. The process does take time – often several months – for visible density to return, but many people notice fine “baby hairs” as early signs of recovery.
Does Telogen Effluvium Go Away?
The key to resolving a case of telogen effluvium is removing or resolving the underlying stressor that caused it to begin with. It is generally considered a temporary condition as the follicles remain capable of producing new strands of hair.
The recovery process can be aided by supplying the body with proper nutrition, gentle hair care, and stress management. If the cause is unclear (or the shedding persists), it can be helpful to consult with a dermatologist to help rule out other forms of hair loss.
What Triggers Telogen Effluvium?
Telogen effluvium is often the result of some significant physical or emotional stressor. Some known causes include:
- Major illnesses or high fever
- Surgery or other physical trauma
- Nutrient deficiency
- Hormonal changes (postpartum, thyroid disorders)
- Crash diets or rapid weight loss
- Certain medications, like retinoids or some antidepressants
- Chronic Stress or Anxiety
- Giving birth
What Does Telogen Effluvium Look Like?
Most of the hairs (85% to 90%) on the average person’s head are actively growing while the others are resting. In a person with telogen effluvium, roughly 30% of hair stops growing and enters the resting phase before falling out. Instead of the normal 70-100 hairs that the average person might lose in a given day, a person with telogen effluvium will lose closer to 300 a day.
Telogen effluvium can feel like balding because the shedding can be very sudden and noticeable. It does differ from pattern baldness because there are no signs of follicle miniaturization as there is in androgenetic alopecia, as well as no receding hairlines and no sporadic bald patches.
Does Biotin Help With Telogen Effluvium?
While hair thinning is one of several symptoms of a biotin deficiency, having low biotin is not a sign of telogen effluvium. A biotin deficiency is extremely uncommon as most people get what their body’s need through a normal diet.
Hair Restoration of Lehigh Valley Has Treatment Solutions
Do not let hair loss win. At Hair Restoration of Lehigh Valley, we have the tools and the expertise to help you bring back a full and luxurious head of hair. Contact us today for a consultation!
Leave a Reply