Postpartum Telogen Effluvium Unmasking Traction Alopecia

Abstract

Introduction: Telogen effluvium (TE) is a type of diffuse hair shedding that occurs 2-3 months after an exposure or trigger. The excessive hair loss may "unmask"underlying hair loss disorders such as female pattern hair loss. Case Presentation: This is a case series of 3 patients with postpartum TE in which an underlying traction alopecia (TA) was revealed. Conclusion: TE can unmask underlying TA. Awareness of this phenomenon is critical to appropriate diagnosis and treatment.