Anagen Effluvium is a condition that can lead to a sudden and profound loss of hair on the scalp, as well as other areas such as the eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair. This type of hair loss occurs when the hair is damaged during the anagen phase, the phase of active growth, due to toxic or inflammatory factors. The hair shaft is fractured, causing the hair to fall out rapidly. In this blog we will learn how to diagnose and treat hair loss related to anagen effluvium in most effective ways.

What is Anagen Effluvium?

Anagen Effluvium is a type of hair loss that occurs during the anagen phase, which is the growth phase of the hair cycle. It is caused by a sudden cessation of hair growth due to an internal or external injury to the hair follicles. This injury leads to damage within the hair canal and causes the hair strands to become weak and brittle, resulting in rapid hair loss. The hair fall is usually massive, with up to 85% of the follicles in the growth phase affected and can occur within a few days to a few weeks after exposure to the trigger. Anagen Effluvium can be caused by a variety of factors, including chemotherapy, autoimmune disorders such as alopecia, or exposure to toxic levels of certain substances like lead and arsenic.

Symptoms of Anagen Effluvium

These are some common symptoms of Anagen Effluvium:

• Sudden and rapid hair loss, affecting mostly the scalp and extending to other parts of the body, including eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair

• Distress and anxiety related to hair loss

• Changes in hair colour and texture

• Weak and brittle hair strands that break off easily

• Massive hair loss, with up to 85% of follicles in the growth phase affected

• Occurs within a few days to a few weeks after exposure to the trigger

• Can occur in patients receiving chemotherapy, those with autoimmune disorders such as alopecia, or those exposed to toxic levels of certain substances like lead, boric acid, and arsenic.

What Causes Anagen Effluvium

Anagen Effluvium is caused by a variety of factors including:

• Chemotherapy: The use of cytostatic drugs in cancer treatment can lead to Anagen Effluvium, as these drugs inhibit rapid cell growth and prevent the hair follicles from growing.

• Autoimmune disorders: People with autoimmune disorders, such as alopecia, are more susceptible to Anagen Effluvium.

• Exposure to toxic substances: Exposure to toxic levels of lead, boric acid, thallium, arsenic, warfarin, and bismuth can cause Anagen Effluvium.

• Iron deficiency: Lack of iron in the body can lead to Anagen Effluvium.

• Use of oral contraceptives: Certain oral contraceptives can cause Anagen Effluvium.

• Certain infections: Certain types of infections can cause Anagen Effluvium.

• Malnutrition: Poor nutrition can lead to Anagen Effluvium.

Treatment available for anagen effluvium

• Oral medication: This involves the use of drugs such as Minoxidil, Finasteride, and Dutasteride to promote hair growth and prevent further hair loss.

• Topical medication: This involves the use of lotions, creams, and serums that can be applied directly to the scalp to encourage hair growth.

• PRP: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is one of the treatments that can be used to treat Anagen Effluvium. PRP is a type of treatment that uses a patient's own blood, which is processed to concentrate the platelets and growth factors. A doctor or hair specialist should be consulted to determine if PRP therapy is a suitable option for the individual's specific case of Anagen Effluvium.

• Cosmetology: This involves the use of hair transplantation, hair restoration, and scalp micro pigmentation to conceal hair loss.

• Supportive treatments: This may include good nutrition, stress management, and medications to treat underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to hair loss.

• Lifestyle changes: Making changes to lifestyle such as avoiding exposure to harmful chemicals, maintaining a healthy diet, and reducing stress can help prevent Anagen Effluvium and promote hair growth.

It is important to note that treatment options vary depending on the cause of Anagen Effluvium, and an accurate diagnosis is necessary before starting any treatment regimen. Consultation with a doctor or a hair specialist is recommended. Now you can consult a dermatologist online who will look into your underlying scalp and hair condition and recommend personalized treatment plans delivered directly to your doorstep. 

Can diet help with anagen effluvium hair regrowth?

Diet can play a role in promoting hair growth during anagen effluvium, a type of hair loss that occurs due to damage to the hair follicles. A well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals essential for hair health, such as biotin, iron, and vitamins B and D, can help with hair regrowth. Additionally, reducing stress and avoiding food that can trigger inflammation, such as processed food and sugar, may also be beneficial. However, it is important to keep in mind that diet is only one factor that affects hair growth and that it may not be a cure for anagen effluvium. Consulting with a dermatologist or healthcare provider is recommended to develop a comprehensive treatment plan for hair loss.

Dermatologist view on anagen effluvium?

Anagen Effluvium is a type of hair loss that can occur as a result of chemotherapy, but it is often a reversible condition. Typically, hair regrowth can occur within 1 to 3 months after chemotherapy is stopped, as long as the scalp is allowed to heal and recover. However, it is important to note that the effects of Anagen Effluvium can vary greatly between individuals and depend on a range of factors, including the type and dose of medication used.

In some cases, Anagen Effluvium may occur in combination with Telogen Effluvium, leading to complete baldness. Hair loss from chemotherapy typically begins at the crown and sides of the scalp and may be inconsistent in the early stages. The hair that regrows after treatment may have a different texture, colour, or wave pattern than before.

To determine the cause of hair loss, a thorough physical examination is necessary. This may include tests such as the hair pull test to differentiate between Anagen Effluvium and Telogen Effluvium. Light microscopy may also be used to make this distinction.

Fortunately, Anagen Effluvium is often reversible with proper hair care, although the use of a wig can be helpful during this temporary period. Efforts are being made to develop hair protection remedies that will minimize hair loss during chemotherapy, but it is important to be prepared for the possibility of hair loss. A positive attitude and the support of professionals can help individuals navigate this challenging time and minimize the impact of hair loss on their lives.