Hair Therapy & Transplantation
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Causes and Treatment of Anagen Effluvium

Fereshteh Salarvand^{* *}Correspondence: Fereshteh Salarvand, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland, Email:

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Description

Anagen Effluvium is a type of hair loss that occurs due to the premature shedding of hair in the anagen (growth) phase. This condition is most commonly caused by exposure to toxins or drugs that damage hair follicles, resulting in a sudden onset of hair loss. The condition can affect people of all ages, genders, and ethnicities, but is most commonly seen in children undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer.

Symptoms

The most noticeable symptom of anagen effluvium is sudden hair loss. Hair may fall out in clumps or in large quantities, and it may occur on the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and other parts of the body. The hair loss is usually more pronounced in areas where hair grows the fastest, such as the crown of the head. In some cases, hair may stop growing entirely, resulting in bald patches or complete hair loss.

Causes

The most common cause of anagen effluvium is exposure to toxins or drugs that damage hair follicles. Chemotherapy drugs, which are used to treat cancer, are a common cause of anagen effluvium. Radiation therapy, which is often used in conjunction with chemotherapy, can also cause hair loss. Other drugs that have been linked to anagen effluvium include anti-cancer drugs, anti-malarial drugs, and certain antibiotics. Toxins, such as arsenic, lead, and thallium, can also cause anagen effluvium. These toxins can be found in contaminated food or water, or in products such as cosmetics or hair dyes. In addition to exposure to toxins or drugs, anagen effluvium can also be caused by certain medical conditions, such as autoimmune disorders or infections. In these cases, the immune system attacks the hair follicles, resulting in hair loss.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of anagen effluvium is usually based on a physical examination of the scalp and hair. The doctor will look for signs of hair loss and may perform a hair pull test to see how easily hair comes out. A biopsy may also be performed to examine the hair follicles under a microscope.

Treatment

The treatment for anagen effluvium depends on the underlying cause. If the condition is caused by exposure to toxins or drugs, stopping the exposure may be enough to reverse the hair loss. If the hair loss is due to chemotherapy or radiation therapy, hair may begin to grow back once the treatment is completed. However, it may take several months for hair to regrow fully. In some cases, medications may be prescribed to stimulate hair growth. Minoxidil, a medication commonly used to treat male pattern baldness, has been shown to be effective in promoting hair growth in some cases of anagen effluvium. For people who experience complete hair loss, wigs or hairpieces may be a viable option. Hair transplantation, a surgical procedure in which hair follicles are transplanted from one area of the scalp to another, may also be an option for some people.

Prevention

There is no sure way to prevent anagen effluvium, as it is often a side effect of necessary medical treatments. However, people can take steps to minimize their exposure to toxins by avoiding contaminated food and water and using safe, non-toxic products. People undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy may also benefit from using a cold cap, which is a device that cools the scalp and reduces blood flow to the hair follicles. This can help reduce the amount of chemotherapy drugs that reach the hair follicles, potentially reducing the risk of hair loss.