Odd hairloss at 23: Extremely depressed and suicidal. (PICS)

[35YrsAfter]

Thanks for replying Chuck, I appreciate it. BTW how REAL is Telogen Effluvium? Can one really lose hair by stress? Has anyone on here lost hair from stress and did you ever get the hair back?

I ask this because I've been EXTREMELY stressed lately with my job, taking care of patients, and their demanding families -__-' ON TOP of personal/family issues.

According to an article on webmd.com:
"Whatever form of hair loss TE takes, it is fully reversible. The hair follicles are not permanently or irreversibly affected; there are just more hair follicles in a resting state than there should normally be."

From aafp.org:
"Telogen effluvium occurs when the normal balance of hairs in growth and rest phases is disrupted, and the telogen phase predominates. The disproportionate shedding leads to a decrease in the total number of hairs. Axillary and pubic areas often are involved, as well as the scalp. The hair-pluck test usually shows that up to 50 percent of hairs are in the telogen phase (in contrast to the normal 10 to 15 percent), although these results can vary in persons with advanced disease. The patient often is found to have had inciting events in the three to four months before the hair loss If 70 to 80 percent of hairs are in the telogen phase, the physician should look for causes of severe metabolic derangements, toxic exposures, or chemotherapy. No specific treatment for hair loss is required because normal hair regrowth usually occurs with time and resolution of underlying causes. Lack of significant historical events and a delay in regrowth should raise suspicion for syphilitic alopecia."

Hair restoration physician, Sharon keene in Arizona published a series of identical twin epigenetic studies in the ISHRS trade magazine called forum. According to research she cited, stress can indeed trigger hair loss.

My personal thoughts are that corticosteroids, even over the counter hydrocortisone 1% can help because I believe corticosteroids can inhibit the telogen phase. Dermatologists advise against excessive use because corticosteroids can cause skin thinning. It's interesting that many topical steroids have the listed side of excessive hair growth.

35YrsAfter also posts as CITNews and works at Dr. Cole's office - forhair.com - Cole Hair Transplant, 1045 Powers Place, Alpharetta, Georgia 30009 - Phone 678-566-1011 - email 35YrsAfter at chuck@forhair.com
The contents of my posts are my opinions and not medical advice
Please feel free to call or email me with any questions. Ask for Chuck