Exploring the Potential Links Between Telogen Effluvium, Alopecia Areata, Pressure-Induced Alopecia, and General Anesthesia: A Narrative Review

January 2026 in “ Dermatology and Therapy ”

Olga Poniatowska, Łukasz Sein Anand, Anna Jakubczyk-Słabicka, Dominik Kacper Płaza, Antonella Marino, Wioletta Barańska‐Rybak, Radosław Owczuk, Magdalena Górska-Ponikowska

telogen effluvium alopecia areata pressure-induced alopecia general anesthesia hair loss

TLDR General anesthesia might be linked to certain types of hair loss, but more research is needed.

This narrative review examines the potential connections between general anesthesia (GA) and hair loss conditions such as telogen effluvium (TE), alopecia areata (AA), and pressure-induced alopecia (PIA). It suggests that GA can trigger stress responses that may exacerbate autoimmune conditions like AA and induce TE by shifting hair follicles to the resting phase, with hair loss typically appearing 2-3 months post-surgery. PIA is linked to prolonged scalp pressure during surgery, causing hair loss due to hypoxia and inflammation. The review emphasizes the need for more research to clarify the mechanisms linking GA to these hair loss conditions and calls for increased clinician awareness to improve patient counseling and management.

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Research cited in this study

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research Telogen Effluvium and Anesthesia Considerations: A Case Report

July 2025 in “Cureus”

Effective anesthesia strategies can help minimize hair loss in patients with telogen effluvium during surgery.

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1 citations , July 2023 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

Pressure-induced hair loss is rare, often reversible, and early diagnosis is crucial to prevent complications.

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40 citations , May 2020 in “Cureus”

The conclusion is that treatments for Telogen Effluvium exist, but standard treatment guidelines are needed.

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56 citations , August 2019 in “Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology”

The document concludes that Telogen Effluvium is a hair loss disorder that can be assessed with the modified wash test and may be treated with clobetasol foam, with patient management being important.

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70 citations , January 2015 in “Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research”

Hair loss from Telogen Effluvium usually gets better within 6 months after addressing the cause.

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421 citations , April 2012 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune condition causing hair loss with no cure and treatments that often don't work well.

research Alopecia Areata Update

391 citations , January 2010 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Half of people with Alopecia Areata may see hair regrowth within a year without treatment, but recovery is unpredictable.

research Pressure Alopecia from Orthodontic Headgear

16 citations , September 2008 in “American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics”

Wearing orthodontic headgear can cause reversible hair loss if detected early.

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151 citations , February 2007 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Alopecia areata causes hair loss, has no cure, and various treatments exist.

Stress Inhibits Hair Growth in Mice by Inducing Premature Catagen Development and Harmful Perifollicular Inflammatory Events via Neuropeptide Substance P-Dependent Pathways

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194 citations , March 2003 in “American Journal of Pathology”

Stress stops hair growth in mice by causing early hair growth phase end and harmful inflammation through a specific nerve-related pathway.

research Telogen Effluvium: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

144 citations , July 2002 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology”

Telogen effluvium is a common type of hair loss that can resolve on its own or become chronic, with treatment depending on early diagnosis.

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1113 citations , August 1999 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

Hair follicle biology advancements may lead to better hair growth disorder treatments.

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12 citations , January 1984 in “Anesthesia & Analgesia”

Anesthesia and surgery can cause temporary hair loss, but hair usually grows back without treatment.

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research Hair Loss in Children: Etiologies and Treatment

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