Rare Hair Growth Disorders in Children: A Case Study

Repeated hair growth and breakage?

Hello, I have three children.
The eldest is a girl, and the second and third are boys.
My daughter is 9 years old this year, but her hair has not been growing since she was little.
It grows but only stays on the scalp for a short time (about six months).
During this six-month period, she still loses a lot of hair every time she washes it.
After about 6-7 months, only a few sparse strands remain.
However, after losing hair, new hair does grow back.
This cycle of falling and regrowing has continued for many years.
Although new hair grows, it does not exceed a length of 10 centimeters, and the scalp is visibly seen.
The new hair appears wavy, with some strands thick and others thin, and it is sparse.
I have noticed that the hair does not seem to fall out but rather breaks off directly from the roots.
In typical hair loss, you can see the strands, but my daughter's hair does not show this.
I visited Chimei Hospital, where the doctor said he had seen similar cases but there is currently no medication for it.
At Cheng Kung University Hospital, the doctor said he had not seen this before, but he researched foreign cases with similar conditions, although the cause remains unknown.
The doctor performed a scalp biopsy on my daughter, and the result showed hair follicle miniaturization.
She was prescribed steroids, which initially showed improvement, but after a few months, she still experienced hair loss.
Among my three children, only my daughter has this condition; the boys are growing normally.
Additionally, my sister's daughter, who is two years old, has a similar hair condition to my daughter, but my sister's son does not have this issue.
Could this be a genetic condition? I hope Dr.
Chen can answer my questions and help my daughter resolve her hair problems as soon as possible.
(Aside from her hair, her overall health is normal, and her intelligence is also fine.) Thank you again!

Ai, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/01/20

Dr. Jian Yingxiu reply Rare Disease

There are indeed some genetic disorders that can cause recurrent hair loss.
Please bring the diagnosis from your dermatologist (preferably including microscopic reports of the hair and scalp biopsy reports) and seek the advice of a pediatrician at a nearby genetic counseling center.

Reply Date: 2005/01/20

More Info

Understanding rare hair growth disorders in children can be quite challenging, especially when it comes to conditions like Short Anagen Syndrome (SAS) and other related hair disorders. Your daughter's situation, characterized by hair that grows only briefly before falling out, is indeed concerning and warrants a deeper understanding.

Short Anagen Syndrome is a rare condition where the anagen phase (the active growth phase of hair) is significantly shortened. This results in hair that does not grow to its full potential length, often leading to hair that appears sparse and underdeveloped. In your daughter's case, the observation that her hair grows but does not exceed a certain length, combined with the fact that it breaks off rather than falling out from the root, aligns with the characteristics of SAS.
The fact that your daughter is the first reported case of SAS among Asian children adds a layer of complexity. This highlights the rarity of the condition and the need for more research and awareness regarding hair disorders in different ethnic groups. While SAS primarily affects hair growth, it does not typically have systemic health implications, which is reassuring. However, the psychological impact on children and their families can be significant, as hair is often associated with self-esteem and identity.

Regarding the potential genetic component, it is possible that there could be a hereditary factor at play, especially since you mentioned that your daughter is the only one among your children experiencing this issue. Genetic hair disorders can manifest in various ways, and while some are clearly inherited, others may arise sporadically without a family history. Consulting with a geneticist or a pediatric dermatologist who specializes in hair disorders could provide more insights into whether there is a genetic basis for your daughter's condition.

The management of SAS and similar conditions often involves a multidisciplinary approach. While there may not be a specific cure, treatments can focus on improving the health of the hair and scalp. Topical treatments, nutritional supplements, and sometimes corticosteroids may be prescribed to help manage symptoms and promote hair growth. However, it is essential to monitor the treatment's effectiveness and adjust as necessary, as you have experienced with the corticosteroid treatment.

In terms of your daughter's overall health, it is encouraging to hear that she is otherwise healthy and performing well cognitively. This is an important aspect to consider, as many hair disorders do not affect overall health.
As you continue to seek answers and potential treatments for your daughter, it is crucial to maintain open communication with her healthcare providers. Keeping a detailed record of her hair growth patterns, any treatments tried, and their outcomes can be beneficial for future consultations. Additionally, connecting with support groups or forums for families dealing with similar hair disorders may provide emotional support and practical advice.

In conclusion, while your daughter's condition may be rare and complex, understanding it better can empower you to seek the most appropriate care. Engaging with specialists, considering genetic counseling, and exploring various treatment options will be key steps in managing her hair growth disorder. Your proactive approach as a parent is commendable, and with continued support and research, there is hope for improvement in her condition.

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