Loose anagen hair syndrome in children of Upper Egypt

Abstract

LAH syndrome occurs in dark-skinned children and could be under-diagnosed. The condition is of cosmetic concern and does not affect the general health.

Loose anagen hair syndrome

“…Other findings reported are misshapen anagen bulbs and long, tapered and twisted hairs [Figure 3]. Some of the hair bulbs are positioned at an acute angle to the shaft resembling mouse tails[1129] [Figure 4]. A few or no telogen hairs are present.…”

“…The repeated rubbing of the occipital region of the head against the pillow at night pulls out more hair and this explains why the occiput is affected most. [11] The clinical presentation of LAS is heterogeneous. Presenting features are thin, sparse, fine hair or increased shedding of hair or patients whose hair is not growing or/and having odd texture: frizzy, unmanageable, unruly hair.…”

“…[32] Such premature keratinization could interfere with the normal interdigitation of the IRS cuticle and the hair shaft cuticle and disturb anchorage of anagen hairs. [11]…”

“…The trichogram would show an increase in dystrophic and/or telogen hairs in the margins of progressive patches of alopecia areata. [11]…”

“…[11] Therefore some hair acquire normal anagen appearance. However some patients continue to show a small percentage of LAH at the pull test or on trichogram indicating that the defect of hair shaft anchorage is still present even if to a lesser degree.…”