Diffuse hair loss is a form of hair loss in which, hair falls out from all areas of your scalp, causing your hair to take on a thin, low-density appearance. It is usually reversible and in a few months the hair thinning is restored and hair follicles remain healthy. There are various causes for diffuse hair loss, which include telogen effluvium (TE), female pattern hair loss (FPHL), chronic telogen effluvium (CTE), anagen effluvium (AE), loose anagen hair syndrome, and diffuse type of alopecia areata.
The causes of diffuse hair thinning range from genetics and medicines to stress, illness, and extreme dieting. Typically, it occurs when the hair growth cycle is thrown off.
The normal cycle follows three phases for specific periods
- Anagen phase (growth): 80%-90% of hairs are in this phase at a given time; active growth lasts 2-6 years.
- Catagen phase (transitional): Less than 5% of hairs are in this phase at a given time; transition lasts about six weeks.
- Telogen phase (resting): 10%-15% of hairs are in this phase at a given time; it lasts about 2-3 months before hairs fall out to make way for new hairs.
Treatment may include suggesting supplements or changes in diet to correct a nutritional deficiency. Topical nutraceuticals, minoxidil, and finasteride might be used based on severity, duration, and history.