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Anagen Effluvium

Anagen Effluvium is a condition that causes hair loss during the anagen or growth stage of the hair cycle. When again effluvium is activated, it may cause diffuse non-scarring alopecia (hair loss) or baldness.

Anagen Effluvium can cause sudden shedding of the majority, if not all of the hair on the scalp. This condition often targets hair from the entire body such as eyelashes, body hair, or eyebrows leaving the scalp wither bald or partially bald.

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What Causes Anagen Effluvium?

Anagen Effluvium is mainly caused by an infection, drugs, toxins, or autoimmune diseases. Toxicity due to chemotherapy agents, usually prescribed to treat cancer, can especially be a leading factor when multiple drugs are used or they are in high dose.

Alopecia (hair loss) develops within 2 to 4 weeks of chemotherapy.

How is Anagen Effluvium Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Anagen Effluvium is generally made by taking into consideration a person’s medical history, use of recent medicines, also by examining the scalp, and discussing specific lifestyle and nutrition habits.

With respect to anagen effluvium, the hair that sheds from the scalp is tapered, narrowed, irregular, or broken off.

Anagen hairs have long roots covered with the inner and outer root sheaths and are pigmented. In contrast, telogen hair is a roundish bulb or club. The follicular openings remain in both conditions.

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What can you do about anagen effluvium?

Anagen effluvium due to chemotherapy is expected to recover fully within 3-6 months of stopping it. The hair nearly always grows back normally, but sometimes patients with straight hair develop curly hair when it regrows. Hair color may also change.
Suggested treatments for anagen effluvium include:
- Topical minoxidil solution
- Scalp cooling during chemotherapy
- Cosmetic camouflage