By Dr. Manu Singh Walia  

DermatologistThe Derma House, Santacruz West, Mumbai 

One of the most alarming complaints patients share is:“My hair is falling in handfuls all of a sudden.”

This often happens 2–3 months after a major trigger — and while it looks scary, it is usually reversible if handled correctly.

1. This Is Often Telogen Effluvium — Not Permanent Hair Loss

Sudden, diffuse hair fall after:

  • High fever or viral illness
  • Major stress or trauma
  • Surgery
  • Crash dieting
  • Childbirth

is commonly due to Telogen Effluvium — a condition where hair prematurely enters the shedding phase.

Important to know: