No todo es efluvio telógeno. Alopecia areata difusa una entidad infradiagnosticada

Abstract

The accurate differentiation between diffuse alopecia areata (DAA) and telogen effluvium (TE) is paramount in clinical dermatological practice due to the implications in therapeutic management and prognosis for the patient. Although both conditions might showcase similar clinical features, such as diffuse hair loss, their underlying etiologies and mechanisms are distinct. DAA is an autoimmune condition wherein the immune system targets the hair follicles, whereas TE is a temporary response to a physiological or stress-related shock, resulting in a synchronized telogen phase and subsequent hair shedding. Properly diagnosing and distinguishing these two conditions is not only crucial for setting an appropriate treatment course but also for guiding patients regarding long-term expectations. This article emphasizes the significance of correctly recognizing and differentiating DAA from TE, underlining the clinical impact of a misdiagnosis and the need for more efficient diagnostic tools in the dermatological field.