Loose anagen hair syndrome (LAHS) is a condition that affects hair growth, primarily seen in children. It can cause slow hair growth, easily pluckable hairs, and patches of hair loss. While it is more common in the white population, it can also occur in individuals with darker skin tones. LAHS can be hereditary and is believed to follow an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. If you suspect your child may have this condition, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and management.
LAHS- A Commonly Overlooked Hair Disorder
Loose anagen hair syndrome is a condition that is more common than previously believed, affecting approximately 2 to 2.25 cases per million people each year. It primarily occurs in children and is characterized by unusually slow hair growth, resulting in hair that rarely requires cutting. As a parent, you might notice your child’s hair falling out all over or experiencing patches of hair loss.
Although LAHS is more commonly found in the white population, it’s not rare in individuals with dark skin tones. While the condition primarily affects children, there have been reported cases in adults as well.
One of the key indicators of LAHS is the ease with which the hair can be plucked. Although this sign may not always be immediately evident, a gentle hair pull test typically yields positive results. In affected children, more than half of the loose hairs can be easily pulled out. Additionally, children with LAHS often have thin, dry, and difficult-to-manage hair, with the back of the head being the most commonly affected area. In some cases, the hair may also feel sticky or tacky.
Researchers have found that LAHS can be hereditary and seems to follow an autosomal dominant pattern, meaning it can be inherited from a parent. The syndrome was first identified in 1984 through studies conducted by Zaun and later by Nödl et al in 1986. It was also reported in the United States by Hamm and Traupe and Price and Gummer in 1989.
The primary characteristic of LAHS is the easy and painless extraction of anagen hairs lacking the inner and outer root sheath, which are typically firmly attached to the scalp during the growth phase. However, in individuals with LAHS, these hairs have a weak connection, making them easily pluckable.
Fighting the Hair Battle to Overcome Loose Anagen Syndrome
The teenage years are notorious for their challenges. The body undergoes transformations, hormones wreak havoc, and the pressures of school amplify. But for Ella, these challenges were magnified by a relentless battle against hair loss.
At just 15 years old, Ella received a diagnosis that would change her life: loose anagen syndrome, a condition that causes hair to grow weakly, making it prone to easy plucking. Imagine the frustration of losing hair simply by rubbing your head against a pillow. This condition predominantly affects young girls but can manifest in adults as well, severely limiting hair growth beyond the nape of the neck.
Read Ella’s Triumph Over Loose Anagen Syndrome with Help Hair
It is recommended to consult with a hair loss professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalised management plan. They can provide further guidance and recommend suitable treatment options based on the individual’s specific situation.