Loose anagen syndrome (LAS) is a benign, diffuse nonscarring alopecia (it is not associated with a sequela of scarring alopecia) hair disorder where hair is not properly anchored in the scalp as a result hair can be easily and painlessly pulled out.
It is most common in (fair-haired blonde) children, but can affect anyone
Mean age of onset of 2 to 6 years.
Although girls are more commonly affected than boys, (ratio 6:1 to 36:1), the syndrome may be underdiagnosed in boys because of their traditionally shorter hairstyles.
This condition improves with age (normally up to ages 8-9 years but can be a late as 14 years old), especially by adulthood or adolescence, however some still show symptoms of hair loss.
It is not due to bacterial and/or fungal infections.
Diagnosis Test
Hair pull test
Trichogram (microscopic examination) – it will show distorted anagen hair bulb with ruffled cuticle.
Most patients and families with LAS can be treated with reassurance and education about LAS, emphasizing that this disease is self-limited in the majority of patients.
Cause
Inherited condition (autosomal dominant pattern) but can be sporadic
Mutations in specific keratins (like KRT71) have been implicated
Keratin mutations, including the K6IRS1 gene located in the inner root sheath, could also play a role.
Mutations in the K6HF gene, found in the outer root sheath companion layer.
There are scalp treatments which may help (not immunosuppressants and corticosteroids as this condition is not an autoimmune disease or an inflammation condition).
Biotin (vitamin B7) may help with short anagen syndrome but not Long anagen syndrome.
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Loose Anagen syndrome in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
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