TELOGEN EFFLUVIUM Meaning and
Definition
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Telogen effluvium is a medical term used to describe a reversible condition characterized by excessive hair shedding or hair loss. It is a form of non-scarring alopecia, meaning that hair follicles are not permanently damaged in this condition. Telogen effluvium occurs due to a disruption in the normal hair growth cycle.
The hair growth cycle consists of three phases: anagen, catagen, and telogen. In the telogen phase, hair follicles are at rest, and no new hair growth occurs. Telogen effluvium occurs when a significant number of hair follicles prematurely enter the telogen phase, leading to excessive shedding of resting hairs. This condition can affect both men and women of all ages.
Multiple factors can contribute to telogen effluvium, including physiological stressors such as childbirth, severe illness, surgery, or significant weight loss. Emotional stress, hormonal imbalances, and nutritional deficiencies can also trigger this condition. Additionally, certain medications, such as beta blockers, retinoids, and anticoagulants, may induce telogen effluvium as a side effect.
The most noticeable symptom of telogen effluvium is the excessive shedding of hair, typically occurring three to six months after the triggering event or medication administration. However, unlike other forms of hair loss, telogen effluvium does not cause complete baldness or permanent hair loss.
Treatment for telogen effluvium focuses on addressing the underlying cause, if identifiable. Once the underlying trigger is resolved or eliminated, the condition usually resolves spontaneously within six to nine months. Hair growth may be encouraged through a balanced diet, stress management, avoiding harsh hair treatments, and gentle hair care practices. In some cases, doctors may prescribe medications or nutritional supplements to
Etymology of TELOGEN EFFLUVIUM
The word "telogen effluvium" is derived from two separate terms: "telogen" and "effluvium".
1. Telogen: The term "telogen" is a stage of the hair growth cycle. In this stage, hair is in a resting phase and not actively growing. It is one of the three phases of the hair growth cycle, along with anagen (growth phase) and catagen (transition phase). The word "telogen" is derived from the Greek word "telos", meaning "end" or "completion".
2. Effluvium: The term "effluvium" refers to the shedding or loss of hair. It is derived from the Latin word "effluere", which means "to flow out" or "to emit".
