Anagen Effluvium is the sudden hair loss which occurs as a result of chemicals or radiation, such as the hair loss that results during certain types of Chemotherapy or Radiation Treatment. The hair loss is usually sudden occurring 1 to 3 weeks after expose to the chemicals or radiation has occurred. Exposure to toxic chemicals such as Thallium and Arsenic may also produce a sudden loss of hair.

One of the most devastating parts of any cancer treatment regimen is the loss of hair during chemotherapy. All hairs on the body progress through three major stages of growth - Anagen, catagen and telogen. Anagen phase is the active growing phase, catagen is a short transition phase and telogen is the resting phase. The length of hair is determined by the length of the anagen phase. Different regions of the body have different anagen lengths, causing scalp hair to be longer than eyelash hair, etc. Different regions also have a greater percentage of hairs in the anagen phase at any given point in time. Some types of chemotherapy halt the anagen (active growing) phase and the hair breaks off and falls out. The differences in hair from region to region explains why some areas retain more or less hair through the treatment.

Despite many claims, NO HAIR GROWTH STIMULANTS, SHAMPOOS, CONDITIONERS OR OTHER COSMETIC TREATMENTS CAN SAFELY PREVENT OR RETARD THE HAIR LOSS. Techniques such as binding the scalp or altering the temperature of the scalp to reduce hair loss may be effective; however, these techniques work by reducing blood flow and chemotherapy delivery to the scalp. This can be dangerous by preventive effective treatment with chemotherapy in these areas.

The good news, however, is that once chemo¬therapy is completed, the hair usually grows back. Adequate hair growth may take six months to one year. On average, normal hair grows approximately 1 cm per month, so regrowth can take a significant amount of time. Returning hair may be different from the hair that was lost. Due to the absence or alteration of pigment the hair may grow back white, gray or a different color. Eventually, as the pigment cells return to normal, the original color should return. It is common for the new hair returning to be finer in texture initially, but like color, the texture should return to its original thickness. Chemotherapy is used in the treatment of cancer to destroy the cancer cells which divide rapidly within the body. One side effect of this cancer treatment is that it can also stop the growth of the hair. In some cases up to 90% of the hair may be affected and often the remaining 10% was already in the resting phase before the treatment was started. Some hair follicles do not shed the hair but produce a narrower weaker hair which breaks off easily.

Anagen Effluvium caused by Chemotherapy is only a temporary condition and in most cases hair growth will return to normal once treatment is finished. Many people even claim that their hair grows back healthier and thicker than before. Sometimes when the hair grows back the texture can be different. Some people who have had curly hair have claimed that their hair has grown back straight, and sometimes even the color can become different.

When hair loss occurs as a side effect of Chemotherapy it normally occurs very suddenly. Often the hair falls out in large clumps and in many cases it occurs overnight. Patients receiving Chemotherapy may wake to find large clumps of hair on their pillows. Many Doctors and nurses recommend that the patient cut the hair very short before the hair loss is expected. Some patients may even choose to shave their heads in order to avoid shedding clumps of hair. It seems than many people seem to prefer the look of a totally bald head rather than a patchy looking scalp.

If a patient is able to plan for the hair loss due to Chemotherapy or Radiation Therapy, then the patient may choose to find a wig before the treatment starts. If a wig is obtained before the treatment starts then it can be worn form the time before the hair loss occurs through to the stage where the hair grows back. There is a wide range of wigs available ranging from human hair to synthetic hair and wigs with a vacuum-fitted base to ready to wear wigs. Scarves and hats are also a good option for those who wish to disguise the hair loss.

There are a large number of choices that can be made when dealing with sudden hair loss cause by Chemotherapy or Radiation Treatment. Everyone is different and will deal with this hair loss according to their needs.

The important thing to remember is that this hair loss is not permanent and once treatment is stopped the hair follicles will recover and the hair will grow back.

There are a few things that may help to encourage hair growth which are safe and relatively inexpensive. A daily multivitamin is important. During times of illness and medical treatment, nutrition may also be poor. A multivitamin and good nutrition encourage hair growth. In addition to a daily multivitamin, Biotin is another vitamin that encourages healthy hair and nail growth. Most multivitamins do not have even the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of Biotin, so an additional Biotin supplement is required. Minoxidil or Rogaine helps encourage hair growth by keeping hairs in the anagen phase longer. However, this is a long term commitment requiring twice daily use applied to the scalp. Also, don't forget sunscreen or a hat for the scalp with thin hair. This area has been protected most of one's life and is very susceptible to sunburn and damage.