Telogen effluvium in Adult
See also in: Hair and ScalpAlerts and Notices
Important News & Links
Synopsis

Telogen effluvium is a common nonscarring alopecia characterized by excessive hair shedding over the entire scalp. At any given time, approximately 90% of normal scalp hair is in the anagen (growth) phase, and 10% is in the telogen (shedding) phase. In telogen effluvium, there is an increase in the percentage of follicles in the telogen phase of the hair growth cycle to greater than 20%. This premature transition of hair follicles to the telogen phase may occur in response to acute physical, physiological, or psychological stress, systemic illness, or hormonal changes (including pregnancy). Causes include major surgery, high fevers, drugs, anorexia and bulimia nervosa, fad diets (especially low-protein diets), childbirth, heavy blood loss, nutritional deficiency (especially protein, iron, and zinc), and serious illness (thyroid disease, renal disease, liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, lymphoproliferative disorders). Telogen effluvium is the most common alopecia associated with systemic illness.
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
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
L65.0 – Telogen effluvium
SNOMEDCT:
39479004 – Telogen effluvium
Look For
Subscription Required
Diagnostic Pearls
Subscription Required
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
Best Tests
Subscription Required
Management Pearls
Subscription Required
Therapy
Subscription Required
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
Subscription Required
Last Reviewed:05/16/2018
Last Updated:10/11/2022
Last Updated:10/11/2022

Premium Feature
VisualDx Patient Handouts
Available in the Elite package
- Improve treatment compliance
- Reduce after-hours questions
- Increase patient engagement and satisfaction
- Written in clear, easy-to-understand language. No confusing jargon.
- Available in English and Spanish
- Print out or email directly to your patient
Upgrade Today