Postpartum Telogen Effluvium Unmasking Traction Alopecia

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> 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. <b><i>Case Presentation:</i></b> This is a case series of 3 patients with postpartum TE in which an underlying traction alopecia (TA) was revealed. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> TE can unmask underlying TA. Awareness of this phenomenon is critical to appropriate diagnosis and treatment.