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Loose anagen hair
A Tosti1, A M Peluso, C Misciali
1Department of Dermatology, University of Bologna, Italy.
Archives of Dermatology
|September 25, 1997
Summary
Loose anagen hair (LAH) can affect both children and adults, sometimes appearing later in life. Pathologic findings are not specific, and adult cases may be misdiagnosed as telogen hair loss.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Trichology
- Pathology
Background:
- Loose anagen hair (LAH) is a condition characterized by the premature shedding of anagen hairs.
- While often associated with childhood, its occurrence in adults and familial patterns require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical and pathological features of loose anagen hair (LAH).
- To analyze the long-term follow-up data of patients diagnosed with LAH.
- To understand the varied presentations and diagnostic challenges of LAH.
Main Methods:
- Clinical evaluation and long-term follow-up of 19 patients (14 children, 5 adults) diagnosed with LAH.
- Trichogram analysis to assess hair cycle characteristics.
- Pathological examination of hair follicles.
Main Results:
- Loose anagen hair (LAH) was observed in both pediatric and adult populations, with adult-onset cases noted.
- Improvement or stability in hair density was observed in some patients.
- Pathological examination revealed fragmentation of the inner root sheath but no specific morphological abnormalities of hair follicles.
Conclusions:
- Loose anagen hair (LAH) is not exclusive to childhood and can manifest in adulthood, potentially being misdiagnosed as telogen hair loss.
- LAH can present sporadically, be associated with other conditions, or, less commonly, be familial.
- Pathological findings in LAH lack specificity and have limited diagnostic value.