Telogen effluvium in Adult
See also in: Hair and ScalpAlerts and Notices
Synopsis
Drugs implicated include acitretin, isotretinoin, high-dose vitamin A, beta blockers (metoprolol, nadolol, propranolol, and topical timolol), bromocriptine, captopril, cimetidine, antidepressants (fluoxetine), sulfasalazine, anticonvulsants (eg, valproic acid and lamotrigine), interferons, antihyperlipidemic drugs, diabetic drugs, androgens, oral contraceptives, anticoagulants (warfarin, heparin), albendazole, and chemotherapeutic agents. Drug-induced hair loss is usually reversible after cessation of medication use. Cases have been identified after viral infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in children, human immunodeficiency virus infection, and dengue fever in adults.
The interval between the inciting event or exposure and the shedding is generally weeks to a few months. In adults, the cause is often never identified. In children, etiology may be easier to discern. Telogen effluvium may occur as a normal physiological phenomenon in this age group.
Telogen effluvium primarily affects women in the fourth to seventh decade of life. Patients present complaining of a sudden increase in hair shedding from the root with a small white hair bulb, often after showering or during combing. The hair loss occurs uniformly over the entire scalp and is usually asymptomatic, without stinging or pruritus. Hair loss usually exceeds 150 hairs daily and may continue for 6-12 months. Less commonly, a chronic form of telogen effluvium can last several years. While it may occur after common triggers of telogen effluvium, it may begin without a clear etiology.
Telogen effluvium itself is a benign and self-limited condition, although its presence may provide a clue to an underlying disease.
Related topics: Drug-induced alopecia, Anagen effluvium
Codes
ICD10CM:L65.0 – Telogen effluvium
SNOMEDCT:
39479004 – Telogen effluvium
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Diagnostic Pearls
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
- Androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern)
- Alopecia areata
- Trichotillomania
- Secondary syphilis
- Traction alopecia
- Anagen effluvium – generally happens 1-4 weeks after chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and some inflammatory diseases
- Tinea capitis (black dot disease)
- Medication-induced alopecia
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Therapy
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Drug Reaction Data
Below is a list of drugs with literature evidence indicating an adverse association with this diagnosis. The list is continually updated through ongoing research and new medication approvals. Click on Citations to sort by number of citations or click on Medication to sort the medications alphabetically.Subscription Required
References
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Last Reviewed:05/16/2018
Last Updated:10/11/2022
Last Updated:10/11/2022
Patient Information for Telogen effluvium in Adult
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