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Loose Anagen Syndrome — SCE Dermatology MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardHair DisordersLoose Anagen SyndromeSCE Dermatology

A 5-year-old girl has sparse hair that has never needed cutting. Painless traction removes numerous anagen hairs with misshapen bulbs and ruffled cuticle but no inner root sheath. What counselling is most appropriate?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Explain that spontaneous improvement is usual with age and recommend gentle hair care

Explanation lettering: D = shown as A · E = shown as C · C = shown as D · A = shown as E

B is correct. The characteristic painless extraction of loose anagen hairs with ruffled cuticle and absent root sheaths supports loose anagen syndrome. Most children improve as follicular anchoring matures, so reassurance and avoidance of traction or harsh processing are appropriate. It is non-scarring and does not require systemic corticosteroids or transplantation. Trichotillomania produces broken hairs of varying length rather than the characteristic extracted anagen morphology, while straightening and traction can worsen shedding.

Reference: Loose anagen syndrome review: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9238333/