Anagen effluvium

Anagen effluvium is different from telogen effluvium because it affects hairs in the active growth phase. It can cause abrupt, widespread shedding within days to weeks of a major insult to hair matrix cells. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the classic triggers, although toxins and some severe inflammatory or metabolic insults can also be involved. The hair loss can be emotionally distressing, but follicles often recover once the trigger stops, depending on the cause. Management is usually supportive and should be coordinated with the treating medical team.