As a dermatologist with extensive experience in hair disorders, I can provide an in-depth explanation of anagen effluvium, a type of hair loss that occurs during the active growth phase of the hair cycle.

Anagen effluvium is a condition characterized by the premature loss of hair during the anagen, or growth, phase of the hair cycle. This type of hair loss is typically acute and can result in significant thinning or complete baldness. The primary causes of anagen effluvium include:


1. Infections: Certain infections can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to hair loss. These infections may be bacterial, viral, or fungal and can affect the hair follicles directly or indirectly through inflammation and immune responses. The affected area may exhibit signs of inflammation such as swelling, tenderness, and sometimes crusting.


2. Drugs: Medications, particularly those used in cancer treatment such as chemotherapy drugs, are a common cause of anagen effluvium. These drugs target rapidly dividing cells, which unfortunately includes hair follicle cells. The disruption of the hair growth cycle can lead to hair shedding within weeks of starting the medication.


3. Toxins: Exposure to toxic substances can also trigger anagen effluvium. This can include heavy metals, industrial chemicals, and certain environmental pollutants. The toxins can damage the hair follicles, leading to hair loss.


4. Radiation: Radiation therapy used to treat cancer can cause hair loss in the areas of the body that are exposed to the radiation. The ionizing radiation damages the DNA of the hair follicle cells, which can halt hair growth and lead to hair loss.


5. Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues can also result in anagen effluvium. Diseases such as alopecia areata, lupus, and scleroderma can cause the immune system to target hair follicles, leading to hair loss.

In the case of infections causing anagen effluvium, the hair loss is often localized to the area of infection. The hair can be easily plucked from these areas, and the skin may exhibit signs of infection such as swelling and tenderness. It is important to diagnose and treat the underlying cause of the infection to prevent further hair loss and promote regrowth.

Diagnosis of anagen effluvium typically involves a thorough examination, medical history, and sometimes a biopsy of the affected hair follicles. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include antibiotics for infections, cessation or adjustment of medications, avoidance of toxins, or treatment of autoimmune diseases.

It is crucial for individuals experiencing hair loss to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the cause and appropriate treatment options. Early intervention can often lead to better outcomes and a higher likelihood of hair regrowth.

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The main causes of anagen effluvium are infection, drugs, toxins, radiation and autoimmune disease. Infections may interrupt hair growth in a localised area resulting in a single bald patch or several bald patches. Loose hairs can readily be extracted from the infected area, which may be swollen, boggy and crusted.read more >>