Loose anagen syndrome, also called "loose hair syndrome," describes a condition in which a person's hair grows slowly and pulls out easily. The hair is typically thin, dull or lusterless, difficult to comb, and slow growing, especially on the back of the scalp. The affected person may develop bald patches.
The syndrome affects mostly young children, primarily girls between ages 2 and 5, but can affect anyone. It's most common in blondes. The condition typically improves with age. People who develop the syndrome later in life may have more persistent symptoms.
The Hair Growth Cycle
Hair on the scalp grows in a three-phase cycle. The first is the anagen phase of active hair growth. During the following phases, the hairs anchor securely in the follicles and then rests. In loose anagen syndrome, the hairs do not anchor properly in the follicles. The lack of adhesion between hair shafts and root sheaths may result from improperly formed hairs.
Although the exact cause of the syndrome is unknown, genetic mutations have been identified in some cases and are thought to result in abnormal keratinization of the inner root sheath. The improperly anchored hairs may then result in a premature cessation of the anagen growth phase resulting in stunted hair growth. In turn, delayed maturation of hair follicles may result in sparse growth overall.
Hair loss from loose anagen syndrome may be misdiagnosed as alopecia areata or trichotillomania.
Nutrients to Support Hair, Skin, and Nails
People with symptoms of loose anagen syndrome typically have otherwise normal growth and development without affected face or body hair, skin, teeth, or fingernails, or underlying nutritional deficiencies. No effective treatment is known, but certain nutrients are associated with hair development and growth. Nutritional deficiencies may also affect skin and fingernails.
Nutrients that support hair growth include vitamin C, vitamin B, zinc, iron, and protein. A lack of B vitamins, specifically B-6, folate, and B-12, can cause hair follicle cells to grow slowly, shed quickly, or produce weak hairs. Zinc deficiency can contribute to slow hair growth, hair loss, and dandruff ( seborrheic dermatitis). A lack of protein can also result in slow-growing, weak hair. Protein helps build keratin, the key structural component of hair.
The condition typically improves with age. Gentle hair care and grooming may help minimize hair loss. Long-term concerns are cosmetic only.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Sources:
Goyal, Supriya, M.D. "Loose Anagen Syndrome." eMedicine.medscape.com, September 23, 2008.
American Hair Loss Association. "Hair Loss: Hair Shaft Defects." WebMD.com, retrieved on September 30, 2010.
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Sara McGrath - Sara is a veteran homeschool mom of three, Usborne consultant, and the author of Unschooling: A Lifestyle of Learning.
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