Telogen effluvium

Updated: 2024-01-19

Description

A reversible condition in which hair falls out after a stressful experience.

Overview

Telogen effluvium is a condition in which hair falls out after a stressful experience. The stress pushes large numbers of hair follicles into a resting phase. Within a few months, those hairs can fall out. Stress examples include surgery, childbirth, and serious illness. Often the hair grows back.

Symptoms

Sudden loosening of the hair that causes overall thinning.

Treatments

Often, the hair grows back when the stress goes away.