What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Loose Anagen Syndrome

What is Loose Anagen Hair Syndrome? (Definition/Background Information)

• Loose Anagen Hair Syndrome is an uncommon congenital disorder mostly affecting the hair of young blond women. The condition is reportedly inherited in an autosomal dominant manner
• The syndrome is marked by loose hair that is effortlessly and painlessly removed when pulled. Apart from this, Loose Anagen Hair Syndrome may present eye defects such as coloboma of iris
• A management of the condition may include the use of topical agents and oral medications. However, the prognosis of Loose Anagen Hair Syndrome is generally good, as the hair grows back quickly in most cases

Who gets Loose Anagen Hair Syndrome? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Loose Anagen Hair Syndrome is a rare congenital disorder. The presentation of symptoms may occur in childhood
• The disorder is most common in blond-haired girls, although both genders may be affected

What are the Risk Factors for Loose Anagen Hair Syndrome? (Predisposing Factors)

• A positive family history may be an important risk factor, since Loose Anagen Hair Syndrome can be inherited
• The condition is commonly identified in blondes (fair-haired girls and women)

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Loose Anagen Hair Syndrome? (Etiology)

• The genetic cause of Loose Anagen Hair Syndrome is not known at the present time
• The condition is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner with variable expressivity

Autosomal dominant inheritance: Autosomal dominant conditions are traits or disorders that are present when only one copy of the mutation is inherited on a non-sex chromosome. In these types of conditions, the individual has one normal copy and one mutant copy of the gene. The abnormal gene dominates, masking the effects of the correctly function gene. If an individual has an autosomal dominant condition, the chance of passing the abnormal gene on to their offspring is 50%. Children, who do not inherit the abnormal gene, will not develop the condition or pass it on to their offspring.

In autosomal dominant inheritance with variable expressivity, environmental and lifestyle factors can influence the expression of a gene mutation. Therefore, the signs and symptoms of a condition can vary significantly among individuals with the same gene mutation.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Loose Anagen Hair Syndrome?

The signs and symptoms of Loose Anagen Hair Syndrome may include:

• Loose hair that can be pulled out easily and without causing any pain; the hair is in the anagen phase of growth cycle
• Light-colored and sparse hair
• Hair growing abnormally in a circular direction around a point (hair whorl)
• Hole in the iris (iris coloboma) causing increased light sensitivity and glare

How is Loose Anagen Hair Syndrome Diagnosed?

Loose Anagen Hair Syndrome is diagnosed on the basis of the following information:

• Physical examination of the individual and medical history evaluation
• Assessment of the presenting signs and symptoms
• Eye and vision exam
• Electron microscopy examination of the hair shafts
• Trichogram to determine the anagen/catagen ratio
• Dermoscopy: Dermoscopy is a diagnostic tool where a dermatologist examines the skin using a special magnified lens
• Wood’s lamp examination: In this procedure, the healthcare provider examines the skin using ultraviolet light. It is performed to examine the change in skin pigmentation
• Skin biopsy, if necessary: A skin biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. The pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis
• Prenatal testing including abdominal ultrasound scans

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Loose Anagen Hair Syndrome?

The complications of Loose Anagen Hair Syndrome may include:

• Emotional distress due to loss of hair
• Cosmetic issue
• Depression
• Vision impairment

Complications may occur with or without treatment, and in some cases, due to treatment also.

How is Loose Anagen Hair Syndrome Treated?

There is no cure for Loose Anagen Hair Syndrome since it is a genetic condition. In many cases, a spontaneous resolution of the condition is noted. If needed, the healthcare provider may recommend the following treatment measures:

• Promoting hair growth through Minoxidil solution, topical steroids, and topical immunotherapy, as prescribed
• Oral medications for hair growth
• Hair transplantation, if necessary
• Surgical correction of eye defects

Regular medical screening at periodic intervals with tests and physical examinations are recommended.

How can Loose Anagen Hair Syndrome be Prevented?

Currently, Loose Anagen Hair Syndrome may not be preventable since many of these genetic disorders are diagnosed at or following the birth of the child.

• If there is a family history of the condition, then genetic counseling will help assess risks, before planning for a child
• Active research is currently being performed to explore the possibilities for treatment and prevention of inherited and acquired genetic disorders

What is the Prognosis of Loose Anagen Hair Syndrome? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Loose Anagen Hair Syndrome is good, since typically the hair grows back quickly
• In most cases, the condition is reported to spontaneously improve on its own with aging

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Loose Anagen Hair Syndrome:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/skin-disorders/