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Acute Telogen Effluvium

Acute Telogen Effluvium

What is Acute Telogen Effluvium (ATE)

Acute Telogen Effluvium (ATE) is a form of hair loss that often leaves patients feeling distressed due to the sudden and noticeable thinning of hair. Unlike other hair loss conditions like Androgenetic alopecia, ATE is typically temporary and occurs due to specific triggering factors. This condition primarily affects the hair cycle, causing a large number of hair follicles to prematurely enter the shedding phase (Telogen), leading to excessive hair fall. Understanding ATE, its causes, symptoms, and treatments can help those affected manage the condition and promote healthy hair regrowth.

The Hair Growth Cycle

Before diving into the specifics of Acute Telogen Effluvium, it’s important to understand the normal hair growth cycle. The hair growth cycle consists of three main phases:

  1. Anagen (growth phase): This is the active phase of hair growth, which can last from 2 to 7 years depending on genetics and health. During this phase, hair cells divide rapidly, contributing to the growth of healthy hair strands.
  2. Catagen (transitional phase): Lasting for about 2 to 3 weeks, this phase is a short transition where hair growth slows down, and the hair follicle begins to shrink in preparation for shedding.
  3. Telogen (resting and shedding phase): During this final stage, which lasts about 3 to 4 months, the hair is in a resting state. Once this period is over, the hair naturally sheds and is replaced by new hair emerging from the same follicle.

Normally, around 5-10% of hair is in the telogen phase at any given time. However, in Acute Telogen Effluvium, a significant portion of hair follicles prematurely shifts to this phase, leading to sudden and excessive hair shedding.

Causes of Acute Telogen Effluvium

ATE is typically triggered by a wide variety of factors that can disrupt the normal hair cycle. These triggers usually occur 2 to 3 months before the onset of noticeable hair shedding. Some of the common causes include:

  1. Physical or Emotional Stress: Acute stress, such as surgery, accidents, or even a significant emotional trauma, can cause a shock to the system, leading to telogen effluvium. Major life events like losing a loved one or going through a divorce may also act as a trigger.
  2. Nutritional Deficiencies: Deficiency in essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamins (particularly Vitamin D and B12) is a well-known cause of ATE. A sudden and extreme change in diet, such as crash dieting or malnutrition, can also precipitate hair shedding.
  3. Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones, especially those related to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or thyroid issues, can affect the hair growth cycle. Many women experience telogen effluvium after giving birth, referred to as postpartum hair loss.
  4. Medications: Certain medications, including anticoagulants, antidepressants, and beta-blockers, have been linked to hair shedding. The introduction or discontinuation of these medications may disrupt hair follicle activity.
  5. Acute Illness or Infection: A severe illness, particularly infections like high fever, severe viral infections (including COVID-19), or chronic inflammatory conditions, can lead to hair loss. This is the body’s way of redirecting energy to vital functions rather than hair growth.
  6. Surgical Procedures: Major surgeries, especially those requiring anesthesia or causing significant physical stress, can also trigger ATE.

Environmental Factors: Extreme changes in climate or prolonged exposure to toxins and pollutants can lead to Acute Telogen Effluvium.

Symptoms of Acute Telogen Effluvium

The most noticeable symptom of ATE is excessive hair shedding, which usually occurs suddenly and becomes apparent when washing or brushing the hair. Hair may fall out in clumps, particularly when handling the hair or shampooing. Patients typically report diffuse thinning across the scalp rather than in localized patches, although the shedding can be more noticeable at the crown and temples.

Other symptoms may include:

  • A noticeable reduction in hair density, making the scalp more visible.
  • Hair strands that appear thinner and weaker.
  • Hair shedding typically peaks within the first few weeks or months and gradually reduces as the underlying cause is resolved.
It’s important to note that in ATE, the hair follicles are not damaged, which means regrowth is possible once the triggers are addressed.

Diagnosis of Acute Telogen Effluvium

Diagnosing ATE involves a detailed patient history, focusing on recent stressful events, health changes, or medication use. Dermatologists may perform a “hair pull test” where a small section of hair is gently tugged to see how many strands come out. In ATE, more than the normal 1-2 hairs will usually be shed. Additional tests that may help confirm the diagnosis include:
  • Scalp examination: A dermatologist will look for signs of inflammation or scarring, which are not typically present in ATE.
  • Blood tests: Tests for nutritional deficiencies (iron, zinc), hormonal imbalances (thyroid function tests), or autoimmune conditions may be ordered to determine the underlying cause.
  • Scalp biopsy: In rare cases, a biopsy may be performed to rule out other types of hair loss conditions like alopecia areata or scarring alopecia.

Treatment for Acute Telogen Effluvium at FMS Skin and Hair Clinics

Since ATE is usually a temporary condition, treatment focuses on addressing the underlying causes and supporting hair regrowth. While it can be distressing to see large amounts of hair shed, it’s important to reassure patients that the condition is reversible.
  1. Addressing the Trigger: The most important step in managing ATE is identifying and treating the underlying cause. This could involve:
    • Managing stress through relaxation techniques, counseling, or lifestyle changes.
    • Correcting nutritional deficiencies with dietary changes or supplements, such as iron, biotin, or vitamin D.
    • Adjusting or discontinuing medications that may be contributing to hair loss, under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
    • Treating underlying medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders or chronic illnesses.
  2. Topical Treatments: While topical minoxidil (Rogaine) is more commonly used for chronic hair loss conditions like androgenetic alopecia, some dermatologists may recommend it for ATE to stimulate hair growth and reduce shedding.
  3. Hair Care Practices: During the recovery phase, patients are advised to be gentle with their hair to avoid further stress on the follicles. Using mild shampoos, avoiding heat styling, and refraining from tight hairstyles can minimize hair breakage.
  4. Patience and Reassurance: It is important to counsel patients that hair regrowth may take several months. As hair follicles cycle through their natural phases, it could take 6 to 12 months for hair density to return to normal.
Nutritional Support: Incorporating a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins can promote healthier hair. Hair supplements containing biotin, zinc, and other nutrients are often recommended to speed up the recovery process.

Prognosis and Recovery

The prognosis for Acute Telogen Effluvium is generally excellent. As long as the trigger is identified and managed, the hair shedding will subside, and the hair will regrow. Most people experience full recovery within 6 to 12 months, although some cases may persist for longer, especially if the underlying cause is not fully resolved.

Acute Telogen Effluvium can be a frightening experience due to the sudden and noticeable hair loss, but with proper diagnosis and management, it is a temporary condition. Addressing the root causes, maintaining a healthy diet, and practicing good hair care can help restore normal hair growth over time. If you suspect you are experiencing ATE, it’s best to consult with a dermatologist who can guide you through the recovery process.

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08069222111

Address:
Door No. 8-2-293/82/A/725/A, Beside FMS INTERNATIONAL DENTAL CENTER Road No. 37, Hitech City Rd, near Daspalla Hotel, CBI Colony, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500033

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Phone – 888 5060 760 / 806 922 2111

Email: [email protected]

Door No. 8-2-293/82/A/725/A, Beside FMS
INTERNATIONAL DENTAL CENTER Road No. 37,
Hitech City Rd, near Daspalla Hotel, CBI Colony,
Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500033

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