ANAGEN / TELOGEN Effluvium
(Excessive shedding of scalp hair)
Anagen and Telogen Effluvium are hair loss conditions that may affect all of us for a variety of reasons. Firstly, in order to understand these conditions you should know the four phases of the hair cycle.
Hair Growth Cycle
The four phases of the human scalp hair cycle are: Anagen (growth phase), Catagen (transitional phase), Telogen (resting phase) and Exogen (hair shaft evacuation).
The Anagen Phase - During the anagen stage, a process of folliculo-regenesis occurs, whereby the hair follicle, epithelial sheath and the new hair shaft is recreated. During the anagen phase the hair shaft grows for approx. 2-7 years. It is estimated that approx. 80-85% of scalp hair follicles are in the anagen phase. The growth rate varies from 0.5cm - 1.45cm per month.
The Catagen Phase - mitosis ceases and the hair follicle enters into a short period (approx 10-20 days) of degeneration. Approximately 3% of scalp hair follicles are in the catagen phase. The Epithelial sheath shrinks forming a club shaped root at the proximal end of the hair shaft.
The Telogen Phase - approximately 12-20% of scalp hair shafts are in the amitotic (resting) phase. The hair remains within the hair follicle for a period of approx 3 months.
The Exogen Phase - the hair shaft evacuates the follicle.
Anagen Effluvium - describes hair shedding during the anagen phase - the onset may well be rapid within 2-4 weeks of the cause. The hair shedding tends to be severe. Anagen Effluvium may be caused by:- Chemotherapy drugs (anti mitotic agents), Radiotherapy, Malnutrition, Seborrhoeic dermatitis, Oral contraceptives, Vitamin A poisoning, Iron deficiency, Chronic and severe infections as well as some medications.
Telogen Effluvium - presents as diffuse alopecia (hair shedding) that denotes the eviction of hair shafts that have prematurely entered the telogen phase. Excessive amounts of hair shedding may well occur. The effects of a Telogen Effluvium becomes apparent approx. 6-12 weeks following the cause. Telogen Effluvium may result in 1-2cm stubble in extreme cases within weeks. Causes include: Pyrexia (body temperature reaching 103.5 C +), Childbirth (rare), severe infection (especially toxaemia), surgery, protein deficiency due to dieting, drugs including beta blockers, anti-depressants and severe psychological stress. Telogen Effluvium may present as an acute or chronic case.
Both of the above conditions are very distressing and the underlying cause should always be investigated. Professional advice should always be sought if you are suffering from any form of unnatural hair shedding. A trichologist would be best placed to offer the correct advice in such cases.
We hope that you have found this page informative and if you are seeking professional advice or treatment for a hair loss or scalp condition that you will consider us.
If you would like to arrange a consultation, this can be done by telephone or e-mail. You can also speak with a trichologist in person on the phone first for advice
Email us: info@ht-healthcare.co.uk
Tel advice line: 0207 404 0072
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