Loose Anagen Hair Syndrome

February 2023 in “ Cosmoderma ”

Arunachalam Narayanan

loose anagen hair syndrome anagen hairs keratinization inner root sheath hair microscopy minoxidil Rogaine

TLDR Loose anagen hair syndrome causes easily shed hair but usually improves with time.

A 7-year-old girl was diagnosed with loose anagen hair syndrome, characterized by sparse, slow-growing hair and increased shedding due to premature keratinization of the inner root sheath. This condition results in defective adhesion between the cuticle of the inner root sheath and the companion layer, causing anagen hairs to be loosely anchored and easily pulled from the scalp. Hair microscopy showed deformed hair bulbs, ruffled cuticles, and a "floppy sock" appearance. Treatment options included topical minoxidil, and it was noted that the condition typically improves over time, providing reassurance to parents.

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2 / 2 results

research Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil Improves Global Hair Density and Length in Children with Loose Anagen Hair Syndrome

9 citations , December 2020 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Low-dose oral minoxidil increases hair thickness and length in children with a hair disorder called Loose Anagen Hair Syndrome.

research Practical Guidelines for Evaluation of Loose Anagen Hair Syndrome

46 citations , October 2009 in “Archives of Dermatology”

Loose anagen hair syndrome, often affecting young girls, can be diagnosed with a hair-pull test and usually gets better on its own, but severe cases may need treatment.