Accelerated Vellus Syndrome

Accelerated vellus Syndrome is relatively easy to explain as it is simply an acceleration of the anagen phase concerning the vellus hair types. To assist you in understanding this concept I have given a brief description of each type of human hair.

The human body produces hair follicles of varying formations which are listed below:

Lanugo hair – part of gestation forming on the fetus. Lanugo hair tends to shed at 33 – 36 weeks which is replaced by vellus type hair. Primary hair follicles development tends to remain inactive until neo natal period. Those hairs that are shed are consumed by the faetus within the amniotic fluid and urinating this back within its natural fluid. The presence of Lanugo hair indicates a premature birth.

Vellus hair – light in colour, fine with a length which tends not to exceed 2cms due to its short hair growth (anagen) cycle compared to that of terminal hair. The vellus hair follicles do not connect to sebaceous glands. Vellus hairs can be seen in women and children. Men tend to have greater number so terminal hair types.

Terminal hair – existing on the scalp and have a much greater potential length due to its prolonged anagen phase averaging 5-7 years. Terminal hairs tend to grow at a rate of approximately 1-2 cm’s per month. Hair may be pigmented.

Hybrid hair types do exist.

Accelerated Vellus Syndrome describes an extended anagen phase resulting in the hairs gaining much greater length. The hair remains colourless and vellus status.

The apparent causes include certain drugs and endocrine activity involving post menopausal women and trans gender patients.