Telogen Effluvium Hair Loss Pattern?

[Bicyclegirrl]

Hi there! I am trying to figure out if I have telogen effluvium. I started losing more hair than usual about 2-3 months ago. Then it started getting progressively/significantly worse over the period of a month (This significant loss started happened a few weeks after I used the dandruff shampoo, Ketoconazole). I am losing significant amounts of hair from small areas. Does anyone know if this is typical for telogen effluvium?

Note: I have been researching and it appears, from my understanding, that someone losing 3 or 4 hairs with a tug test is indicative of this.

 

[Filename Arial]

Only a qualified specialist can truly answer your question.

 

[Bicyclegirrl]

Only a qualified specialist can truly answer your question.

Thank you for the feedback. =) I hope it is this in a way, because it should go away. But at the same time, there isn't anything I can do about the hair loss, but wait it out if that is what it is. I have been given fluocinolone acetonide topical oil, which will hopefully slow things down. I just don't want it to be alopecia areata. But a scalp biospy didn't point in that direction, knock on wood.

 

[Bicyclegirrl]

Thank you for the feedback. =) I hope it is this in a way, because it should go away. But at the same time, there isn't anything I can do about the hair loss, but wait it out if that is what it is. I have been given fluocinolone acetonide topical oil, which will hopefully slow things down. I just don't want it to be alopecia areata. But a scalp biospy didn't point in that direction, knock on wood.

Well, knock on wood, my hair loss has significantly dropped off. =) The scalp oil they gave me appears to have started working-- it took about a week. I feel blessed. It looks like I need to continue to do what I can to treat my scalp and work on my nutrition. Basically, it appears my extreme hair loss is from having a unhealthy (dry) scalp and possibly malnourished hair. Hopefully my insurance will pay for a nutritionist.

 

[ninaross]

Yes, you are right. Nutrition is very important. It basically goes that way that what you eat inside will reflect outside. Protein and iron deficiency in your diet can trigger telogen effluvium. So, make sure you're eating a sufficient amount of protein and iron-rich foods. And as you've said that you've got a dry scalp, so you can consider using a scalp mask, they are naturally therapeutic and helps to heal dry/damaged areas. Choose a scalp mask that includes some of the essential oils. And hopefully, you get free from your hair loss issues.