Overview
Telogen effluvium is a non-scarring form of hair loss characterized by the premature entry of hair follicles into the telogen phase, leading to increased hair shedding 2.Diagnosis
Key Diagnostic Criteria: Excessive hair shedding without scarring on scalp examination 2.
Recommended Tests:
- Serum ferritin levels (commonly performed, helps identify iron deficiency anemia) 1
- Complete blood count (CBC) to assess for anemia 1
- Thyroid function tests 1
- Vitamin D levels (high prevalence of deficiency noted) 1
- Vitamin B12 levels 1
- Folate levels 1
- Zinc levels 1
Grading: Not specifically detailed in provided abstracts.Management
First-Line Treatments:
- Iron replacement therapy for identified iron deficiency anemia 1
- Vitamin D supplementation for deficient patients 1
Adjunctive Treatments:
- Address underlying causes such as nutritional deficiencies or thyroid dysfunction 1
- No specific drug doses mentioned beyond general supplementation recommendations 1Special Populations
Pregnancy: Not addressed in provided abstracts 2.
Pediatrics: Not addressed in provided abstracts 2.
Elderly: Not addressed in provided abstracts 2.
Comorbidities: Focus on managing underlying conditions like iron deficiency or thyroid dysfunction 1.Key Recommendations
Evaluate serum ferritin and CBC to screen for iron deficiency anemia and general hematological status in patients with telogen effluvium (Evidence: Moderate 1).
Consider vitamin D supplementation if deficiency is identified through laboratory testing (Evidence: Moderate 1).
Address and treat identified thyroid dysfunction in patients presenting with telogen effluvium (Evidence: Moderate 1).References
1 Yorulmaz A, Hayran Y, Ozdemir AK, Sen O, Genc I, Gur Aksoy G et al.. Telogen effluvium in daily practice: Patient characteristics, laboratory parameters, and treatment modalities of 3028 patients with telogen effluvium. Journal of cosmetic dermatology 2022. link
2 Kakpovbia E, Ogbechie-Godec OA, Shapiro J, Lo Sicco KI. Laboratory Testing in Telogen Effluvium. Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD 2021. link