Anagen Effluvium: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Anagen effluvium is a non-scarring alopecia that causes abrupt, diffuse hair loss due to an agent disrupting the metabolic or mitotic activity of hair follicles in the anagen phase of the hair cycle. This condition, which affects both men and women equally, is typically reversible with hair regrowth observed 2-3 months after the cessation of the causative agent. Common causes include chemotherapy and radiation on the head and neck. Diagnosis can be confirmed through several tests, with the hair pull test being strongly indicative if more than 80% of hairs are released. Radiation treatment for brain tumors may lead to diffuse anagen effluvium or cicatricial alopecia.