On Telogen Effluvium

July 2025 in “ International Journal of Trichology ”

Ralph Michel Trüeb

TLDR Telogen effluvium is a common hair loss condition requiring careful diagnosis and treatment.

The document provides an overview of telogen effluvium (TE), a prevalent type of hair loss marked by increased shedding during the telogen phase. TE can be acute or chronic, with chronic telogen effluvium (CTE) lasting over 6 months and sometimes associated with systemic disorders or existing as a primary condition. Headington's classification is highlighted as the most comprehensive for understanding TE's pathology. Diagnosis requires a detailed medical history, physical exam, and lab tests, with the trichogram being a key diagnostic tool. Treatment is diagnosis-specific, and while the cause of primary CTE is often unclear, it may involve multiple factors, including overlap with androgenetic alopecia. The document stresses a systematic approach to diagnosis and treatment, acknowledging the psychological effects on patients.

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research Chronic Telogen Effluvium: Is It a Distinct Condition? A Systematic Review

1 citations , April 2023 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology”

Chronic telogen effluvium may not be a unique condition and could be confused with other types of hair loss.

research Trichodynia Revisited

4 citations , January 2021 in “Skin appendage disorders”

Trichodynia is a painful scalp condition not directly linked to the amount or type of hair loss and may involve psychological factors, with treatments showing mixed results.

research Telogen Effluvium: A Comprehensive Review

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.

research Telogen Effluvium: Is There a Need for a New Classification

18 citations , January 2016 in “Skin appendage disorders”

The paper suggests improving diagnosis and treatment of telogen effluvium but does not recommend a new classification system.

research The Difficult Hair Loss Patient: A Particular Challenge

14 citations , January 2013 in “International Journal of Trichology”

Treating hair loss requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both physical and emotional aspects, with a focus on diagnosis, patient education, and good communication.

research Value of Trichoscopy Versus Trichogram for Diagnosis of Female Androgenetic Alopecia

45 citations , January 2012 in “International Journal of Trichology”

Trichoscopy is better than trichogram for diagnosing female hair loss.

research Seasonality of Hair Shedding in Healthy Women Complaining of Hair Loss

37 citations , January 2009 in “Dermatology”

Healthy women tend to lose more hair in July and April, and the least in February.

research Alopecia Areata Incognita: True or False?

19 citations , December 2008 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

The authors suggest that a new type of hair loss exists, which is different from alopecia areata.

research Acute Diffuse and Total Alopecia of the Female Scalp

59 citations , January 2002 in “Dermatology”

A new type of sudden, complete female hair loss was found, with most patients fully recovering within 6 months without needing steroid treatment.

research Hair Pain (Trichodynia): Frequency and Relationship to Hair Loss and Patient Gender

48 citations , January 2002 in “Dermatology”

Hair pain is more common in women with hair loss, but it's not linked to the cause or severity of hair loss.

research Congenital Hypotrichosis Due to Short Anagen Phase

42 citations , September 2000 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Some children are born with unusually short, fine hair because their hair growth phase is short, but this often gets better by itself during puberty.

research Telogen Effluvium: A Comprehensive Review

214 citations , March 1993 in “Archives of Dermatology”

Telogen effluvium is a reversible hair loss condition that requires a detailed diagnosis and often resolves on its own.

The Importance of Adequate Serum Ferritin Levels During Oral Cyproterone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol Treatment of Diffuse Androgen-Dependent Alopecia in Women

research The Importance of Adequate Serum Ferritin Levels During Oral Cyproterone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol Treatment of Diffuse Androgen-Dependent Alopecia in Women

83 citations , April 1992 in “Clinical Endocrinology”

Having enough iron improves the effectiveness of a specific hair loss treatment in women.

research Biochemical and Trichological Characterization of Diffuse Alopecia in Women

124 citations , August 1990 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Diffuse alopecia in women may be related to androgens and iron deficiency, and basic hormone and nutrient screening is useful.

research Alopecia Areata Incognita: A Hypothesis

60 citations , January 1987 in “Dermatology”

Alopecia areata may appear differently depending on the individual's type of hair loss and scalp condition.