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Abstract

Telogen effluvium (TE) is the common cause of diffuse nonscarring hair loss. TE is caused by any disruption of hair cycle resulting in increased, synchronized telogen shedding. In children, TE has been reported to be responsible for only a minority of cases with hair loss. The functional mechanism of shedding in majority of these cases is immediate anagen release. A male child of age seven years presented the out-patient department of DVL, RIMS Kadapa, with the history of shedding of hair on head and eyebrows. He is a known congenital heart disease (ventricular septal defect) for which he has undergone ventricular septal defect closure surgery. After a period of six months, shedding of hair on the head and eye brows was noticed. After examining the patient, the dermatologist diagnosed as Telogen effluvium and prescribed Mometasonefuroate (synthetic corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory activity), betamethasone, ferrous fumarate (used to treat anaemia not enough red blood cells in the blood) and isotretinoin. Based on the pathogenesis of TE, potential therapeutic options include inhibition of catagen (so as to prolong anagen); induction of anagen in telogen follicles; or inhibition of exogen (to reduce hair shaft shedding). Differentiating TE from other causes of diffuse nonscarring hair loss can indeed be a daunting task. A number of factors have been implicated in the causation of TE, however, clear evidence in their support is lacking. Possible treatment options for TE, especially the chronic form, are not many. Treatment for TE is primarily reassurance and counselling.

Keywords

Anagen Congenital heart disease Diffusenonscarring hair loss Telogen effluvium Ventricular septal defect

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