TLDR Loose Anagen Syndrome is more common in females and may be inherited, often confused with other hair disorders, and lacks evidence for biotin treatment effectiveness.
The retrospective chart review of 37 cases at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia over a 10-year period investigated Loose Anagen Syndrome (LAS), finding it more prevalent in females but present across all hair colors and skin types. Diagnosis relies on history, microscopic examination, and specific hair features, with LAS often mistaken for other hair disorders but distinguishable through clinical and trichographic analysis. The study highlighted a common association with atopic diseases and a possible autosomal inheritance pattern due to family history of hair disorders. Limitations of the study included its retrospective nature and insufficient data on the progression or improvement of LAS. Biotin supplementation was frequently recommended, despite a lack of scientific evidence for its efficacy in hair disorders. The study suggests the need for further research into LAS's genetic basis and treatment options.
13 citations,
March 2014 in “Pediatric Dermatology” Minoxidil 5% solution significantly improved hair density in a girl with loose anagen hair syndrome over 28 months, with no side effects.
8 citations,
August 2013 in “Pediatric Dermatology” Loose Anagen Hair Syndrome is found in black-haired Indian children and is often missed, especially in boys.
31 citations,
January 2011 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” Loose anagen hair syndrome is caused by structural abnormalities in the hair follicle's inner root sheath.
59 citations,
June 2008 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” The article explains the genetic causes and symptoms of various hair disorders and highlights the need for more research to find treatments.
239 citations,
July 2002 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology” Low iron and L-lysine levels can cause hair loss in women, and increasing these nutrients can reduce hair shedding.
4 citations,
May 2017 in “Pediatric Dermatology” The study found that Short Anagen Syndrome results in short hair growth not due to hair fragility, and hair may grow longer after puberty.
1 citations,
July 2019 in “Case reports in dermatology” A Thai boy was diagnosed with a rare hair disorder causing hair thinning and shedding.
November 2019 in “Harper's Textbook of Pediatric Dermatology” Understanding normal hair growth and loss in children is key to diagnosing and treating hair disorders.
1 citations,
May 2016 in “Current Opinion in Pediatrics” Children's hair loss can be caused by various factors and should be treated with appropriate, age-specific methods and psychological support.
July 2018 in “Elsevier eBooks” The most common cause of hair loss in children is tinea capitis, followed by alopecia areata and telogen effluvium.
