Telogen Effluvium: Choosing Treatment for Diffuse Shedding
Triggers, diagnosis and targeted management of telogen effluvium, including when further dermatological assessment is needed.
Definition
Telogen effluvium is diffuse shedding associated with many follicles entering telogen. Stress, infection, childbirth, weight loss, medicines and systemic disease can trigger it.
Diagnosis
Onset, distribution, a hair-pull test and trichoscopy matter. Androgenetic alopecia may coexist.
Treatment
Identify and address the trigger first. Finasteride, PRP or mesotherapy is not necessary for everyone. Nutrition and possible deficiencies require targeted assessment.
When to investigate further
Persistent shedding, scarring, redness, pain or marked focal loss requires further dermatological assessment.
Limits of the evidence
These are selected clinical sources and expert recommendations, not a new systematic review. Formulations, participants, controls, follow-up and adverse-event reporting differ. Positive findings do not establish identical benefit or local authorisation for every patient or product.
Topic-specific questions
Is every diffuse shedding episode androgenetic alopecia?
No. Telogen effluvium and pattern loss differ, although both can coexist.
Does telogen effluvium automatically require PRP or transplantation?
No. Identifying and addressing the trigger is the first priority.
Scientific references
- A Canadian Algorithm on the Management of Telogen Effluvium. 2025. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40671378/
- Rosenthal A et al. Management of androgenic alopecia: a systematic review of the literature. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2024. DOI: 10.1080/14764172.2024.2362126. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38852607/
- American Academy of Dermatology. Hair loss: Diagnosis and treatment. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/treatment/diagnosis-treat
- American Academy of Dermatology. Hair loss: Tips for managing. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/treatment/tips/