Telogen effluvium is sudden increased shedding, often after fever, dengue/viral illness, stress, weight loss, surgery, childbirth or nutritional deficiency. Patients often fear baldness, but the first step is identifying the trigger and checking whether pattern hair loss is also present.
Symptoms & signs
Typical complaints include:
Hair coming out while bathing, combing or on the pillow
Diffuse shedding rather than one bald patch
Trigger 6 to 12 weeks before shedding started
Anxiety because hair fall looks dramatic
What Dr. Maharania checks
Timeline and recent illness, fever, diet change, medicines or childbirth.
Scalp health and whether pattern hair loss is also present.
Whether tests such as CBC, ferritin or thyroid are clinically useful.
Treatment approach
Treatment focuses on correcting triggers, treating scalp disease if present and avoiding unnecessary procedures. Recovery is slow because hair cycles take time. Supplements help only when there is deficiency or a clear indication.
What to expect
1
Map the timeline
The trigger often happened weeks before shedding began, so history matters.
2
Look for overlap
Pattern thinning or scalp disease can coexist and needs separate treatment.
3
Use tests selectively
Blood tests are considered when they can explain or change the plan.
4
Track recovery patiently
Shedding may take months to settle even after the trigger is corrected.
Frequently asked questions
Will I go bald from telogen effluvium?+
Usually no. It is a shedding problem, not permanent follicle loss, but it can expose underlying pattern hair loss.
How long does recovery take?+
Often a few months. Regrowth is slow and visible density can lag behind reduced shedding.
Do hair vitamins cure it?+
Only if deficiency is contributing. Random supplements are not a substitute for diagnosis.
When should I visit?+
Visit if shedding is severe, lasts beyond a few months, follows illness, or comes with patches, itching, scaling or menstrual/nutrition concerns.
