The Difference between Telogen and Anagen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium and anagen effluvium are two types of hair loss conditions caused by different factors. Here's the difference between the two:

1. Telogen effluvium:

Telogen effluvium is a temporary hair loss condition that occurs when a large number of hair follicles enter the resting phase of the hair growth cycle (telogen phase) prematurely. It can be triggered by a variety of factors, including physical or emotional stress, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions. Telogen effluvium usually presents as diffuse hair thinning on the scalp, and the hair loss typically occurs around three months after the triggering event. Once the underlying cause is addressed, the hair growth cycle returns to normal, and the hair typically regrows within six to twelve months.

1. Anagen effluvium:

Anagen effluvium is a type of hair loss that occurs when hair follicles are damaged during the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle, which is the active growth phase. It is most commonly caused by chemotherapy or radiation therapy, which target rapidly dividing cells, including hair follicle cells. Anagen effluvium can also be caused by exposure to toxins, such as arsenic and thallium, or by autoimmune disorders that attack hair follicles. Anagen effluvium usually presents as sudden hair loss that occurs within days or weeks of the triggering event, and the hair loss can be extensive. In some cases, the hair may regrow once the underlying cause is addressed, but it may be thinner or have a different texture than before.

In summary, the main difference between telogen and anagen effluvium is that telogen effluvium is caused by a premature shift of hair follicles into the resting phase, while anagen effluvium is caused by damage to hair follicles during the active growth phase.