Hair loss with a small white bulb at the end

Hair loss with a small white bulb at the end

A small white bulb at the end of a hair loss event is not, in and of itself, cause for concern. It just indicates that the follicle went through the various phases of the growth cycle before the strand was shed. Although this is a normal process (even in the absence of a hair loss disorder), the white bulb is usually not noticed until the shedding becomes excessive, leading to the fallen strands being examined.

If a malfunction is suspected, an examination of the bulb can provide professionals with information about the type and cause of the malfunction. The shape, size, and color determine what stage of the growth cycle the hair was in before it fell out. and if any anomalies are present.

The first phase of the cycle, the period of active growth, is called anagen. During this time the hair is firmly anchored in the follicle. Removing an anagen hair from a healthy scalp would require firm, forceful plucking. The tip would show a small, rounded or slightly elongated, pigmented bulb, which could be surrounded by a gelatinous, sac-like covering.

After each individual hair has reached its full growth potential, the follicle moves into what is known as “catagen”. Although catagen only lasts one to two weeks, many changes take place during this time in preparation for the formation of the white bulb. The lower follicle shrinks. The inner root sheath disappears. The pigmentation stops. Cellular material (such as that of the outer root sheath) that is no longer needed to sustain growth begins to migrate to the base of the strand.

Once all catagen changes have occurred, the follicle enters what is known as “telogen”. In early telogen, any remaining cells that are no longer needed migrate to the hair base. Because pigmentation has stopped, these cells are not pigmented. These non-pigmented cells combine to form the “mystery white bulb,” which acts as an anchor to hold the hair in the follicle while it “rests” for approximately three months before being released. The telogen phase is also known as the resting period.

Any hair that falls out with a white bulb indicates that it has gone through the telogen phase before falling out. Because of their shape, these strands are also known as club hair. This feature is present in normal daily shedding. As long as there is not too much shedding, there is no need to worry.

The most common condition that causes excessive shedding when the white light bulb is attached is telogen effluvium. Because any follicle can be affected at any stage of the growth cycle, fallen strands can vary in length.

In alopecia areata, hair is often shed during the telogen phase, but in some cases it may be shed during anagen or it may break off. The affected strands may have an “exclamation mark.” A small part of the strand directly at the scalp level becomes very thin, giving the appearance of an exclamation mark. Since the hair is very thin at this point, it can also break off. Although the most common form of alopecia areata causes bald patches, there are other variations of this condition that cause other, more serious patterns of baldness.

The absence of a visible white bulb could indicate that the hair has fallen out in the anagen stage, e.g. B. in loose anagen syndrome or anagen effluvium. It could also indicate that it broke off and didn't fall out.

The size, shape, color, and condition of the bulb can provide valuable diagnostic information to the examining hair loss professional.

Inspired by Melanie Vonzabuesnig