A case of loose anagen hair syndrome associated with trichotillomania in a 14-year-old girl

Abstract

Loose anagen hair syndrome (LAHS) and trichotillomania (TTM) are two distinct conditions. LAHS is a rare condition characterized by easily removable anagen hair without any sensation of pain. It primarily affects young girls and is associated with a sparse hair growth and a delicate hair texture. LAHS can occur spontaneously or be inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. On the other hand, TTM, also known as hair pulling disorder, is an obsessive-compulsive disorder characterized by the recurrent, overwhelming urge to repeatedly pull out one’s hair. Hair pulling can occur anywhere on the body but is most common on the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes and subsequently results in bald patches. It is linked to psychosocial impairment and a decrease in the overall quality of life. We present a case of 14-year-old female with a longstanding history of sparse and disorderly hair since childhood due to LAHS associated with TTM. Treatment involved topical minoxidil and psychiatric counseling, resulting in significant improvement initially. However, a relapse was observed a year later, emphasizing the complexity of managing this dual pathology.