Telogen Effluvium Dermatologist2019-11-08T17:44:06+00:00

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Often triggered by severe emotional or physical stress, telogen effluvium is a type of temporary hair loss that occurs as a result of shedding of resting hair known as telogen hair.

IN THESE VIDEOS, I EXPLAIN THE SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES OF HAIR LOSS – AND HOW TO TREAT IT

In the videos above, I explain things in a simple way that applies to most people who have telogen effluvium. Of course, no video or website can replace the value of a personalised consultation. At your consultation, you can have your skin carefully examined and get an expert recommendation to help you resolve your condition.

Treatment helps people of all ages take control of their skin condition and get their life back.

How does telogen effluvium impact people on a day-by-day basis?

SUDDEN HAIR LOSS CAN BE A DISTRESSING CONDITION FOR ANYONE

You might start losing your hair around 3 months following a shock to your system

You may notice losing your hair in larger quantities or clumps, with increased hair shedding in the shower, on your hairbrush after brushing your hair, on the pillow in the morning or generally around the house.

You hair will thin and have less volume

Usually, there are no symptoms, but sometimes you may notice scalp tenderness. You might notice generalised hair thinning, with a decrease in the hair volume.

While sometimes subtle, people may notice something different about you

Hair loss, whatever the cause, can create significant anxiety and distress. The self-consciousness can be debilitating, causing you to experience a heightened sense of stress around losing more of your hair.

One of the most challenging aspects is not knowing why it’s happening

Before you see a dermatologist, an accurate diagnosis may elude you. This uncertainty can lead to many false trails and needless anxiety. Hopelessness may ensue…

Can we cure telogen effuvium?

Thankfully, this is a self-limiting condition, which means that provided I confirm the diagnosis, the situation should self-resolve in the next 3 to 6 months. Where hair loss has carried on for longer than expected, it is critical to ensure that telogen effluvium is the correct diagnosis and that specific treatment, if needed, is initiated.

What my patients love about my service

MY PATIENTS ARE MY BEST PROMOTERS

Please pass on my thanks to Dr Pratsou for her assessment on my continued taking of roaccutane.

She was completely right, I didn’t need a new course, I needed to move away from the drug. The creams she gave me and Cetaphil recommendation have meant my skin has been the best it’s ever been (ongoing and since I saw her) ALL SUMMER :))))) I’ve had zero problems…and I’m loving it.

Thank you once again.


Phillip, Acne

“Dear Dr Pratsou,

Following the consultation today I feel it appropriate to say thank you for your help in dealing with my rosacea.

On each occasion, I have visited your department I have noticed the kindness and cheeriness of all the staff I have encountered and particularly wanted to say that you made me feel at ease with your calmness and excellent manner.

All is much appreciated.”


Anne, Rosacea

“Thank you very much!!

You three were (and are) a great team!

I will remember you.

You made me feel comfortable.”


Ellie

“Tania,

Please pass to Dr Pratsou my thanks for her skilled work.

The wound is healing beautifully and now the stitches are out it looks as though it will be almost invisible once fully healed.”


Graham, Skin cancer removal

“Dear Dr Penelope, Rena & the team, (I can’t remember the nurse’s name who helped me during my 2 procedures at the Spire!)

I wanted to thank you for your support and help during a very difficult time. You guys do a wonderful job – and we are eternally grateful for your help.”


Clarissa, Skin cancer

“I would like to put on record how impressed I was with the operation you performed for the removal of the SCC on my neck. I cannot even see where the cut or the stitches were! I am indeed very grateful for the excellent work you do.”


Harry, Squamous Cell Carcinoma

“Dear Dr Pratsou,

I am very grateful to you for your diagnosis, recommended treatment and advice. Your letter to my GP sets out both the course of events, and your own analysis of probable condition and possible cause, clearly summarising our discussion.

I hope there will be no recurrence but I will certainly come back to you if there is.”


Ryan, Skin rash

“Dear Tania,

Please pass on my thanks to Dr Pratsou. I saw her this morning for a mole check. She was so lovely and reassuring. Please also thank the two nurses who assisted her during the mole removal procedure. I was very nervous, but they were very efficient, which meant I did not have too long to think about it, but most of all they were very kind. They kept me distracted and calm, which made a huge difference. Thank you also for your efficiency in both booking me in so quickly.”


James, Mole removal
Dear Ms. Pratsou,

I am writing to thank you for the care you have given me in the past few months. From the moment I walked into your consulting room with a lesion on my cheek, a lesion that I fully expected to be some sort of skin cancer (and it was), you have been thorough, reassuring, respectful and in every way professional.

You recognised that I had some insight into the condition of my skin and the procedures required to treat me. You listened to me. You projected expertise and compassion.

During the procedure to remove the growth you ensured that the atmosphere in the treatment room remained not only calm, but actually pleasant. Had it not been that you were excising a growth and sewing me up, I almost felt as if you, me and the nurse were at some sort of women’s discussion group. The time flew by. I had zero anxieties about the procedure and as we both know now, the wound healed flawlessly.

Thank you for your expertise and your communication skills and all round good nature. I feel very lucky.


Karen Tatom, Skin cancer removal

We have replaced the images and names of real patients who provided these testimonials to protect their privacy.

The first step to feeling in charge of your skin is to book an initial consultation

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STEP 1 – CALL US
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Give us a call on 01183735198 and we’ll help guide you towards a first appointment.

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I’ll see you and examine your skin before I recommend treatment. In some cases, I can begin treating your condition on the same day.

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I’ll guide you down the road towards a resolution of your skin condition so that you can get back to normal life.

More information about telogen effluvium

FOR THOSE WHO WANT THE DETAILS

Telogen effluvium is a type of temporary hair loss that occurs as a result of shedding of resting hair known as telogen hair. This condition can occur as a result of sudden severe emotional or physical stress.

Telogen effluvium refers to the sudden onset of hair shedding, typically around three months after a severe acute shock to the system.

You may notice losing your hair in larger quantities or clumps, with increased hair shedding in the shower, on your hairbrush after brushing your hair, on the pillow in the morning or generally around the house.

Usually, there are no symptoms, but sometimes you may notice scalp tenderness.

You might notice generalised hair thinning, with a decrease in the hair volume.

Telogen effluvium occurs when there is a disturbance of the normal hair cycle. In a typical hair cycle there are always growing (anagen) hairs and shedding (telogen) hairs. In telogen effluvium, the hair cycle shifts, so at least 30% instead of 10% of hairs are in the telogen phase. Therefore an increase in shedding is noted.

Factors that can result in telogen effluvium include a significant life event such as

  • bereavement
  • extreme stress
  • childbirth
  • surgical operations
  • marked weight loss or excessive dieting
  • some medication or
  • discontinuation of hormone treatment.

The diagnosis of telogen effluvium is usually a clinical one. It will depend on the history of hair shedding and clinical examination.

The clinical examination consists of an analysis of the scalp and hair with the aid of a dermatoscope.

I may perform a gentle hair pull test to see if an increased amount of hairs is shed (this can be falsely positive if you’ve washed your hair in the past 48 hours).

Blood tests are sometimes needed.

Telogen effluvium does not typically require a specific treatment as this is a self-limiting condition. The hair stops shedding excessively after a period of 3 to 6 months, but it might take longer for you to notice your hair going back to its original volume.

In some cases, I may recommend treatment if the condition continues for a more extended period.

A consultation can be valuable if you have any doubt as to the diagnosis so that you can get some reassurance. I might also recommend an alternative treatment in the case of a different diagnosis.

“Can you cure my telogen effluvium?”

Thankfully, this is a self-limiting condition, which means that provided I confirm the diagnosis, the situation should self-resolve in the next 3 to 6 months.

“I have had telogen effluvium for more than a few months, can you treat this?”

Where hair loss has carried on for longer than expected, it is critical to ensure that telogen effluvium is the correct diagnosis.

Having said this, telogen effluvium can sometimes become a chronic problem. If it becomes so, specific treatments such as topical Minoxidil and supplements (if appropriate) can be helpful.

“What can I do to help the situation?”

I recommend consuming a healthy and varied diet, consisting of leafy green vegetables, iron and protein.

I generally recommend avoiding over-vigorous combing/brushing of hair or using harsh scalp treatments. Washing and treating hair, as usual, is not a problem and should not affect the course of the condition.

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Questions and answers

RELEVANT AND INFORMATIVE VIDEOS AND ARTICLES

About the author

Dr Penelope Pratsou | Consultant Dermatologist

MBChB, MRCP (UK) (Dermatology)

I’m Dr Penelope Pratsou, a skilled independent Consultant Dermatologist based in Berkshire. I have specialist expertise in the diagnosis and management of all skin cancers, and in performing mole checks. I’m a trained skin surgeon and remove skin cancers, moles, skin tags, cysts and warts.

I also have invaluable experience in dealing with all skin conditions, from the common skin complaints of acne, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis, to the rarer and more complex skin problems, having seen it all through years of NHS work.

After I obtained my Membership to the Royal College of Physicians, I undertook rigorous specialist training in dermatology, before being appointed as a Consultant Dermatologist at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading. There, I helped set up and lead a busy clinic for the diagnosis and treatment of suspected skin cancer. I was also actively involved in supervising and training both dermatology and GP trainees.

Alongside my increasingly busy private practice, I have maintained an NHS practice in Oxford in order to continue to engage with challenging cases and to develop my specialist interest in skin allergy.

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