From the Research
Lanugo is a condition that requires addressing the underlying cause, particularly in adults with eating disorders like anorexia nervosa, where proper nutrition and weight restoration are key to its resolution. Lanugo is a fine, soft hair that covers the body of a developing fetus, typically appearing around the fifth month of pregnancy. This downy hair is usually shed before birth, but sometimes babies are born with it still present, particularly premature infants. Lanugo serves important functions during fetal development, including protecting the skin and helping to hold the vernix caseosa (a waxy protective coating) on the skin. It also assists with temperature regulation in the womb. In most full-term babies, lanugo disappears before or shortly after birth. However, lanugo can also appear in adolescents or adults with certain medical conditions, particularly eating disorders like anorexia nervosa, where it develops as the body's response to heat loss from lack of body fat.
According to a study published in 2021 1, anorexia nervosa is a devastating psychiatric disorder characterized by extreme restriction of food intake and low body weight, both associated with significant medical and psychological morbidity. The study highlights the importance of addressing the underlying condition, and notes that among adults, there is continued need for development of novel, mechanism-based approaches to better target the core symptoms of AN. Another study published in 2018 2 also emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary management, prioritizing weight gain, and notes that cognitive behavioral therapy remains the most effective therapy in preventing relapse.
In terms of treatment, addressing the underlying condition, such as anorexia nervosa, is the most appropriate approach, and may involve a combination of nutritional, psychological, and pharmacological interventions. A study published in 2019 3 notes that medications are a useful adjunct to nutritional and psychotherapeutic treatments for eating disorders, and that olanzapine has shown ability to promote modest weight gain in outpatients with AN. However, another study published in 2006 4 found that antidepressants impart little benefit on weight or symptoms, highlighting the need for further research into effective treatments for anorexia nervosa.
Some key points to consider when addressing lanugo in adults with eating disorders include:
- Proper nutrition and weight restoration are key to resolving lanugo
- Multidisciplinary management, prioritizing weight gain, is essential
- Cognitive behavioral therapy remains the most effective therapy in preventing relapse
- Medications, such as olanzapine, may be useful adjuncts to nutritional and psychotherapeutic treatments
- Further research is needed to develop novel, mechanism-based approaches to better target the core symptoms of AN.