What Is Lanugo and Why Does It Happen?

Описание: What is Lanugo = It is fine, soft hair that develops when the body loses too much fat — a physical sign of malnutrition.
👶 In Newborns

Normal finding in fetuses and newborns

Develops around 20 weeks of gestation and is usually shed before birth

Function: helps regulate body temperature and protect fetal skin while in the womb

🧍‍♀️ In Adults (Abnormal Finding)

Seen in malnutrition, especially anorexia nervosa

Appears on the face, back, and limbs

Reason: the body grows lanugo to conserve heat when fat stores are severely depleted

📋 Summary Table
Population Lanugo Meaning Common Areas
Fetus / newborn Normal developmental hair Entire body
Adults with anorexia / cachexia Sign of malnutrition and loss of body fat Face, arms, back

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