Hair
Anagen Effluvium
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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]
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