The Association Between Psychodermatological Behaviors, Economic Burden, and Perception of Clinical Severity in Telogen Effluvium: A Cross-Sectional Study

This study involving 110 participants explored the link between psychodermatological behaviors and economic burden in telogen effluvium (TE) patients. It found that delaying hair washing and collecting shed hair were associated with clinical findings and increased economic burden. Delaying hair washing correlated with higher pull test positivity, while collecting shed hair was linked to a higher economic burden (adjusted OR = 6.40). Additionally, lower ferritin and vitamin D levels were noted in patients with trichodynia and those frequently performing self-pull tests, respectively. The study suggests that addressing these behaviors through simple questioning can improve clinical assessment and management of TE, potentially reducing unnecessary economic costs.