Anagen Effluvium occurs when hairs are shed during the anagen (growth) stage. This occurs suddenly and will present as short broken off hairs or slightly tapered hairs on the scalp. Causes of Anagen Effluvium:
- autoimmune processes
- medications such as cytotoxic/chemo drugs
- radiation treatments.
In addition, there is a syndrome known as Loose/Short Anagen Syndrome. This will present during childhood. The child will have normal hair growth; however, this growth stops at a certain length and remains short.