Anagen Effluvium – Advanced Form of Telogen Effluvium

Hair fall disorders are of several types. Some of them are basic which means they do not cause that much damage to the hair follicles and hair fall percentage is very low, while some are advanced hair fall disorders which means that those types of hair fall disorders can cause much severe damage to the scalp and hair follicles and can cause thinning and lessening of hair at a rapid rate which may result in permanent hair loss. One such type of hair fall disorder is Anagen Effluvium which is an advanced form of telogen effluvium.

Anagen effluvium (also known as shedding of hairs at the anagen stage) is an advanced form of telogen effluvium. As discussed previously that in telogen effluvium thinning of hair takes place and shedding of hair occurs at a very low rate, only affecting some areas of the scalp. While in anagen effluvium the case is totally different, here in this hair fall disorder hair loss occurs and it expands at a much higher rate than that of telogen effluvium which can eventually result in the permanent hair loss of the individual. This hair fall disorder occurs in special cases or individuals like the person who is taking cytostatic drug for the treatment of cancer or if a person have indigested any toxic chemical or substance is very much likely to be affected by anagen effluvium because these types of toxic and hazardous chemicals inhibit or stops the rapid proliferation of cells. Taking drugs for the cancer treatment seems to be the priority but those drugs and toxic chemicals blocks the proliferation of hair follicles which cause major damage to the hair follicles which will cause a major and unexpected shut down of hair fiber replication resulting in anagen effluvium.

Certain institutions and centers for cancer treatment do attempt or try to chunk hair fall using a method known as cold therapy. This cold therapy is simply a procedure of using ice for covering the scalp of the person or using a special bad or hood filled with ice water in between the time period when anti-cancer treatment is in process. The advantages of this cold therapy is that when a person is taking anti-cancer drug so before taking that drug, cold therapy is used which sends the hair follicles into suspended animation mode and the coldness of that ice or water restrain the hair follicles to take or absorb the contents of that drug causing a much less damage to the hair follicles and hair in general. But having said that, every action has a reaction! A study has shown that by applying cold therapy before the consumption of anti-cancer drugs, the drug might not affect the cancer cells which are in the skin of that particular individual because of the coldness.

As the expansion or development of anagen effluvium is very fast and rapid, the recovery or reduction of anagen effluvium is equally rapid. Recovery is also rapid because the hair follicles are just in the suspended mode and are just frozen and they will regain their capability of hair production once the factor is removed which is causing anagen effluvium. A dermatologist may be consulted also.

What causes anagen effluvium?

Anagen effluvium is a type of hair loss that occurs due to the disruption or damage to the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle. The anagen phase is the active growth phase of hair follicles, during which new hair is formed and grows. Several factors can cause anagen effluvium, including:

Chemotherapy: One of the most common causes of anagen effluvium is chemotherapy, a treatment for cancer that targets rapidly dividing cells, including hair follicles. The drugs used in chemotherapy can lead to hair loss by affecting the actively growing hair cells.
Radiation therapy: Like chemotherapy, radiation therapy can also cause damage to hair follicles during the anagen phase, leading to hair loss in the treated area.
Toxins and exposure to harmful substances: Exposure to certain toxins, chemicals, or pollutants can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, leading to anagen effluvium.
Certain medications: Some medications, such as those used to treat autoimmune diseases or thyroid disorders, can interfere with the hair growth cycle and cause anagen effluvium.
Severe illness or infection: Serious illnesses, high fevers, or severe infections can temporarily disrupt the hair growth cycle and result in hair loss.
Nutritional deficiencies: Inadequate intake of essential nutrients, especially proteins and minerals, can affect hair growth and lead to anagen effluvium.
Physical trauma: Physical trauma to the scalp, such as burns or injuries, can damage hair follicles and trigger hair loss.

It's important to note that anagen effluvium is usually temporary. Once the underlying cause is addressed or the triggering factor is removed, hair follicles can recover, and hair growth resumes. However, it may take some time for the hair to return to its normal density and length.

What triggers telogen effluvium?

Telogen effluvium is a type of hair loss characterized by excessive shedding of hair during the telogen phase of the hair growth cycle. The telogen phase is the resting phase of hair follicles, during which the hair is not actively growing. Instead, it remains in a dormant state before eventually falling out to make way for new hair growth.

Several factors can trigger telogen effluvium, leading to an increased number of hairs entering the telogen phase and subsequently shedding. Some common triggers include:

Physical or emotional stress: Significant physical stressors, such as major surgery, illness, rapid weight loss, or high fever, can disrupt the hair growth cycle and push more hair follicles into the telogen phase. Emotional stress, such as psychological trauma, can also be a trigger.
Hormonal changes: Hormonal imbalances caused by factors like childbirth, pregnancy, menopause, or starting or stopping birth control pills can lead to telogen effluvium.
Nutritional deficiencies: A lack of essential nutrients, particularly iron, zinc, biotin, and protein, can affect the normal hair growth cycle and contribute to telogen effluvium.
Medications: Certain medications, including antidepressants, beta-blockers, anticonvulsants, and retinoids, may cause telogen effluvium as a side effect.
Chronic illness: Conditions like thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, and chronic infections can disrupt the hair growth cycle and result in telogen effluvium.
Rapid weight loss or extreme diets: Severe caloric restriction and crash diets can trigger telogen effluvium due to nutritional deficiencies and metabolic changes.
Physical trauma: Physical trauma to the body, such as accidents or surgeries, can cause a temporary disruption in hair growth and lead to telogen effluvium.

It's important to note that telogen effluvium is typically a reversible condition. Once the underlying trigger is identified and addressed, hair growth usually resumes within a few months.