Loose anagen hair syndrome: take a closer look!

Abstract

DEAR EDITOR, A girl aged 35 months presented hair lightening and reduced hair growth over a period of 1 year. Examination demonstrated reduced hair of unequal length (a); trichoscopy results were normal. The hair pull test was positive and painless by epilating unanchored anagen hairs. Scanning electronic microscopy revealed longitudinal grooves; bulbs shaped like golf clubs (b); fishhook-like bulbs (c) and a ruffled cuticle resembling a 'crumpled sock' (marked * in panel c). A diagnosis of loose anagen hair syndrome was established. A predominance of anagen hairs without inner root sheaths is usually observed. 1 Spontaneous resolution was observed within 24 months, with recovery of normal hair, but minoxidil might be used in future. 2