Telogen effluvium is an interruption to the normal hair growth cycle. Hair follicles enter the resting stage of the cycle simultaneously and there is consequently sudden hair loss. Causes are generally physical or psychological stress.

The stress may result from childbirth, major surgery, illness or any other reason. In addition, too much vitamin A can also trigger the condition, although this is only really likely via the intake of supplements.

Fortunately, the condition is not permanent. The hair follicles will reactivate, but it can take as long as eight months for hair loss to decrease and it will then obviously take a while for the hair to grow back. Hair loss is particularly noticeable when washing hair, but shampoo does not make the condition any worse.

As ever, the important thing to do is to get properly diagnosed by your GP or a qualified dermatologist. Knowing exactly what the problem is, you will be able to get the most appropriate treatment.

In cases where the person has suffered chronic telogen effluvium, management is possible through the use of scalp make-up, Medi Connections (ultra fine hair extensions) or hair replacement.

Around one per cent of people are affected by alopecia areata, but it is most common in younger women and children for whom the effects can be devastating.

The condition is caused by the body’s immune system attacking the hair follicles, resulting in hair loss. Hair follicles work in a cycle and the attack causes them to revert to the resting stage, which is when hairs fall out.

We lose hair every day anyway, but when a person is suffering from alopecia areata, the follicles are resting when they shouldn’t be. However, the important part is that the follicle remains in the scalp and it is possible that hair can regrow even years after the onset of alopecia areata. Changes are unpredictable and growth may stop and start.

If you suspect you may be suffering from alopecia areata, the important thing to do is to go and see your GP. They will either diagnose you or refer you to a dermatologist. Dermatologists also deal with hair as hair follicles reside in the skin. A small biopsy may be taken for the purposes of diagnosis. Only once your condition has been identified can you commence treatment as there are multiple causes for hair loss and alopecia areata is but one of them.

Trichotillomania is characterised by the urge to pull out your own hair. Many find the impulse hard to resist and it can lead to extensive hair loss. It is now thought to affect around two per cent of the population at some time or other and so is by no means rare. The majority of sufferers are female.

Symptoms of trichotillomania

Firstly and most obviously is the urge to pull hair. If you find it hard to resist the urge to pull hair, even when you don’t want to, you are likely to be suffering from trichotillomania. Frequent pulling will lead to visible hair loss.

Suffers report feeling a rise in tension building up to pulling and they may even try to stop themselves. They will then feel a sense of relief when they actually pull, although this is often quickly followed by guilt or regret. People generally know that they shouldn’t be doing it, but can’t help themselves.

Triggers

There are several, recognised triggers for hair pulling. If you find yourself looking for thicker hairs, those that are more coarse, or those that you consider ‘wrong’ this is likely to presage a bout of hair pulling. Similarly, looking for hairs of an unwanted colour may also be a trigger. Many people continually pull until one particular hair has gone.

Many people who suffer from compulsive hair-pulling, trichotillomania, do so in secret, embarrassed and feeling like they cannot be helped. The truth is that trichotillomania is not an uncommon condition and there are now recognised forms of treatment that have proven effective.

It is estimated that around one in 50 people is affected by trichotillomania at some point in their life. It is more common in females, becoming around five to ten times more likely in 12- and 13-year-old girls than in boys the same age. In terms of those seeking help, 12 times as many women as men look for treatment, although this may not reflect the exact proportions of sufferers as the feelings of shame and embarrassment may affect men and women differently.

The extent to which trichotillomania affects people varies. It might just be a few minutes compulsively attempting to pluck one particular hair or it might be a period of hours, where the sufferer pulls out almost all of it, despite battling the compulsion.

It is possible that there is a genetic cause for the condition, but research indicates that it is likely to be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain as certain anti-depressants can counteract it.

One of the most successful approaches for dealing with trichotillomania is the use of cognitive behavioural therapy. A therapist can teach the sufferer mental tactics to cope with the compulsion and ways to identify the triggers before a bout takes hold.

Alopecia areata
This is quite a well-known cause of female hair loss due to the fact that several well-known women who have suffered have spoken about their experience, highlighting the symptoms and impact of the condition. It is thought that likely that alopecia areata affects those with a genetic predisposition towards it, being triggered either through stress or a certain pathogen.

Trichotillomania
This is a psychological condition where the sufferer has a hair-pulling compulsion. It is ordinarily head hair that is pulled. It is thought that as many as two per cent of people are affected by this at some stage in their life. It is far more likely to affect women than men.

Telogen effluvium
With this condition, hair is lost in the wake of emotional or physical trauma, often in times of extreme stress. Essentially, the hair’s growth cycle is interrupted, causing hair to thin. It can be triggered by any stressful event, by childbirth, because of eating disorders and can also happen after major surgery.

Whatever you suspect may be the cause of your hair loss, it is important to get it properly diagnosed before attempting to get treatment. Consult your GP who may then refer you to a consultant dermatologist.

Alopecia areata, which is sometimes known as ‘spot baldness’ is a common cause of hair loss. It can affect any part of the body, but is most commonly seen to affect head hair. It generally only affects patches, but in around one or two per cent of cases, it will spread further.

Patches affected by alopecia areata are generally round, but can take any shape. Sometimes affected areas may prove a touch painful or can tingle slightly. Hairs in an affected region may be narrower near the scalp, tapering where growth is newest.

Alopecia areata is not a contagious condition, rather it seems likely that some people are genetically predisposed to it, as cases are more likely if family members have also suffered. It is an autoimmune disorder, meaning that the immune system is actually attacking the hair follicles, affecting and even preventing the growth of hair. The actual trigger for the condition is not known, although it is suspected to be related to emotional stress or some sort of germ.

If you start to lose hair, it is important that the first step you take is to see your GP who will most likely refer you to a consultant dermatologist. You can also arrange to see a consultant dermatologist directly. Make sure you see a qualified medical professional who will act in your best interests and will give you the best advice.