Anagen Effluvium

Anagen is a term that is often used to describe the different phases of hair growth in humans. Anagen is actually the growing part of the hair follicle. Hair growth rate varies widely from one individual to another. Anagen effluvium is the term which is used to describe extreme or sudden hair loss which is caused by a sudden disturbance to the hair follicles. It is common for people to shed hair daily but it is not normal to shed hair during the anagen phase of hair growth. Anagen effluvium is referred to as the loss of hair during the growth stage.

There are two common causes of anagen effluvium and they are chemotherapy and radiation. Both of these are used to treat cancer but when the treatment stops the hair usually grows back. Other causes for anagen effluvium are heavy metal intoxication, compulsive pulling of the hair, lupus, and poisons from plants that are toxic to humans. The latter causes are more difficult to treat and will usually be more severe in nature.

Normal hair growth will result in an average of ½ inch per month for the normal individual. Anagen effluvium occurs if there is extensive damage or injury to the kerationcytes which divide during the process of hair growth. When injury occurs the hair shaft becomes weak and will not be strong enough to hold onto the hair. A weak hair shaft will not hold up to daily brushing and washing.

With anagen effluvium the hair shaft is broken and hair loss will occur rapidly; usually within a few days. Often a doctor can determine the cause for anagen effluvium in a matter of minutes by reviewing your medical history. Often it is referred to as toxic alopecia because toxic drugs found in chemotherapy and toxic plants are usually to blame for the condition. Hair loss will usually begin within two weeks after beginning chemotherapy and will usually start to grow back within a month after chemotherapy cessation.

When hair begins to grow back after discontinuing medical treatment it will often be different than before. For example, somebody who always had very curly hair may find that their hair grows back straight. Somebody who was starting to turn gray may find that their hair grows back entirely gray. This is a result in the structure of the hair follicle. The toxic drugs may have permanently changed the hair follicle itself.

With anagen effluvium there is usually no need for treatment. The condition will usually only be temporary and will correct itself once the toxins are no longer in the body. Some people may find that they are not happy with the pace their hair regrows and choose to seek treatment to speed up the process. Topical ointments and creams may help in certain cases. Your doctor can probably give you some sound advice or you can search the Internet for solutions.