What is the Difference Between Alopecia Areata and Telogen Effluvium?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Alopecia areata and telogen effluvium are both types of hair loss, but they have different characteristics and causes. Here are the main differences between the two:
- Cause: Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the hair follicles, leading to hair loss. Telogen effluvium, on the other hand, is a temporary hair loss caused by stress or other factors, such as surgery, medications, or hormonal changes.
- Onset: Telogen effluvium usually begins suddenly, with a rapid increase in hair loss, while alopecia areata has a more gradual onset.
- Hair loss pattern: Alopecia areata typically causes round patches of baldness, while telogen effluvium results in diffuse hair loss all over the scalp.
- Microscopic appearance: In alopecia areata, exclamation point hairs may be present, which have a narrow shaft near the scalp and a wider, darker bulb. Telogen effluvium is characterized by increased numbers of shed telogen hairs with variable lengths and diameters.
- Duration: Telogen effluvium is a temporary form of hair loss, and shedding usually stops eventually. Alopecia areata can be either permanent or temporary, depending on the severity and response to treatment.
- Diagnosis: A detailed history and examination can often differentiate between the two conditions. In cases where the diagnosis is uncertain, a scalp biopsy may be necessary to confirm the cause of hair loss.
In summary, alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes round patches of hair loss, while telogen effluvium is a temporary, stress-related hair loss that occurs diffusely. The onset, hair loss pattern, microscopic appearance, duration, and diagnosis methods are key differences between the two conditions.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Alopecia Areata and Telogen Effluvium? Comparative Table: Alopecia Areata vs Telogen Effluvium
Comparative Table: Alopecia Areata vs Telogen Effluvium
Here is a table comparing the differences between Alopecia Areata and Telogen Effluvium:
Feature | Alopecia Areata | Telogen Effluvium |
---|---|---|
Definition | An autoimmune condition characterized by areas of nonscarring hair loss | A temporary hair loss condition caused by a change in the hair growth cycle, usually due to stress or other factors |
Hair Loss | Smooth, round patches of hair loss, can also cause total loss of scalp hair (alopecia totalis) or body hair (alopecia universalis) | More diffuse hair loss, tends to be temporary and resolves within 3-6 months |
Causes | Immune system attacks hair follicles | Stress, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, medications, and other factors can trigger a change in the hair growth cycle |
Diagnosis | Scalp biopsy, presence of exclamation point hairs | History of precipitating event, positive hair pull test |
Treatment | No cure, but treatments can help manage symptoms and promote hair regrowth | Hair loss is usually temporary and resolves on its own within 3-6 months |
Recurrence | Often, patients with alopecia areata will relapse, resulting in more than one episode in a lifetime | No recurrence, hair loss is temporary and usually does not recur |
Please note that this information is for informational purposes only and should not replace consultations with qualified healthcare professionals.
Read more:
- Androgenetic Alopecia vs Telogen Effluvium
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- Scalp Psoriasis vs Dandruff
- Lice vs Dandruff
- Dermatophytosis vs Dermatomycosis
- Atopic vs Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Keratosis Pilaris vs Folliculitis
- Seborrheic Dermatitis vs Psoriasis
- Dandruff vs Dry Scalp
- Furuncle vs Folliculitis
- Terminal Hair vs Vellus Hair
- Dandruff vs Nits
- Atopic Dermatitis vs Eczema
- Eczema vs Ringworm
- Vitiligo vs Psoriasis