A 28-year-old woman notices diffuse hair shedding 3 months after delivering a baby. Pull test is positive with predominantly telogen hairs. The scalp appears normal. What is the diagnosis?

• A Anagen effluvium
• B Androgenetic alopecia
• C Alopecia areata
• D Telogen effluvium ✓

Explanation

Telogen effluvium is a reactive, diffuse, non-scarring alopecia caused by a shift of hair follicles from anagen to telogen phase following a triggering event 2-4 months prior. Classic triggers include childbirth (postpartum), major surgery, severe illness, crash dieting, and thyroid disease. The pull test yields predominantly club-shaped telogen hairs with a white bulb, and the scalp appears completely normal. The condition is self-limiting and resolves within 6-12 months once the trigger is removed.

Reference: Neena Khanna Illustrated Synopsis of Dermatology & STD, 6th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.