//fpnotebook.com/
Anagen Effluvium
Aka: Anagen Effluvium, Chemotherapy-Induced Hair Loss, Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia
- Definition
- Abnormal, abrupt diffuse Hair Loss during Anagen phase
- Pathophysiology
- Inciting event impairs Hair Follicle mitotic and metabolic activity during Anagen phase (active phase)
- Causes
- Systemic conditions
- Mycosis Fungoides
- Pemphigus Vulgaris
- Medications
- Chemotherapy (affects 65% of patients)
- Cyclophosphamide
- Nitrosureas
- Doxorubicin (Adriamycin)
- Endocrine
- Tamoxifen
- Bromocriptine
- Elements
- Bismuth
- Arsenic
- Gold
- Miscellaneous
- Allopurinol
- Levodopa
- Symptoms
- Diffuse hairs loss onset days to weeks (peaks at 1-2 months) after offending agent (often Chemotherapy)
- Management
- Wig until resolution
- Hair cooling has been shown effective in Chemotherapy induced Hair Loss
- However cooling is not recommended, as it may reduce medication distribution to the scalp
- Course
- Typically reversible after cessation of offending agent
- Hair regrowth starts 1-3 months after stopping agent
- References
- Phillips (2017) Am Fam Physician 96(6): 371-8 [PubMed]