Which specialist treats telogen effluvium?

Telogen effluvium is a pattern of increased shedding that can follow a significant illness, emotional or physical stress, surgery, rapid dietary change, or another body change. The dermatologist examines the scalp and hair pattern and takes a timeline of events. Hair loss and thinning hair can have other causes, including nutritional hair loss, so the label should follow an assessment rather than appearance alone.

Write down when shedding began, whether it followed fever, childbirth, weight change, a new medicine, or restricted eating, and whether the pattern is diffuse or concentrated in one area. Mention scalp symptoms, family hair history, and supplements. Management may focus on correcting a contributing problem, gentle hair care, and observation; a dermatologist may also discuss topical minoxidil or other options when appropriate. Hair supplement therapy should be guided by a demonstrated need.

Seek a dermatology assessment when shedding is sudden, marked, persistent, patchy, or accompanied by scalp pain, scale, sores, or inflammation. Contact a clinician sooner if hair loss occurs with fatigue, faintness, menstrual changes, or other symptoms that could point to a broader health issue.

Ask what pattern the examination shows, which trigger is most plausible from the timeline, whether testing is needed, and how you will track new growth and ongoing shedding.