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What is Alopecia Universalis?
Alopecia universalis is a type of medical condition involving a complete loss of hair on the scalp and body. It is an extreme type of the more common form of alopecia, alopecia areata. Alopecia universalis is one of several types of alopecia that collectively make up alopecia totalis, or total hair loss.
What Causes Alopecia Universalis?
The exact cause of alopecia universalis is unknown, but it is believed to be an autoimmune disorder, in which the body’s immune system attacks its own hair follicles and cells. Other possible causes include genetics, hormonal imbalances, stress and certain medications.
What are the Symptoms of Alopecia Universalis?
The primary symptom of alopecia universalis is total hair loss over the entire body. This hair loss may occur rapidly and affect all of the hair on the head, including the eyebrows and eyelashes. Unlike alopecia areata, which usually causes patchy hair loss, alopecia universalis results in the full absence of hair.
Treatment of Alopecia Universalis
Alopecia universalis can be difficult to treat and there is no known cure. However, some treatments may be effective in helping to stop or slow the progression of the condition. These include:
- Corticosteroids: These are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs that can help reduce inflammation caused by the immune system.
- Immune system suppressor drugs: These drugs can stop the body’s immune system from attacking the hair follicles.
- Minoxidil: This topical drug can help promote new hair growth.
- Light therapy: This type of therapy uses ultraviolet light to help slow down the body’s attacks on the hair follicles.
Prevention of Alopecia Universalis
There is no known way to prevent alopecia universalis as the exact cause is unknown. However, some steps may be taken to help reduce the risk of developing the condition, such as managing stress, avoiding certain medications and getting early treatment for any signs of alopecia areata.
Key Takeaways
Alopecia universalis is an extreme form of alopecia areata which causes total hair loss on the body. The exact cause is still unknown, but it is believed to be an autoimmune disorder. Treatment options are available to help slow the progression of the condition, but there is no known cure. Certain steps may be taken to help reduce the risk of developing the condition, such as managing stress and avoiding certain medications.
Keywords: alopecia universalis, alopecia areata, autoimmune disorder, corticosteroids, immune system suppressor drugs, minoxidil, light therapy, hair loss, total hair loss.
