Alopecia universalis (AU) is a condition characterized by the complete loss of hair on the scalp and body.
Can you recover from alopecia universalis?
When a person has alopecia universalis, their hair follicles are still alive and able to regrow hair. In fact, some people may find that the condition goes away on its own after a few months or years. But in some cases, a person may experience permanent hair loss.
How does alopecia universalis start?
Causes and risk factors for alopecia universalis
AU is an autoimmune disease. This is when the body’s immune system attacks its own cells. In the case of alopecia, the immune system mistakes hair follicles for an invader. The immune system attacks hair follicles as a defense mechanism, which triggers hair loss.
What is alopecia universalis caused by?
The exact cause of AU is unknown. AU is an advanced form of alopecia areata (AA), a condition that leads to round patches of hair loss. The most widely accepted hypothesis is that AA is an autoimmune condition in which a person’s immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles.
How long does alopecia universalis take to grow back?
The hair grows back within 12 months or less. For some people, however, the problem can last longer and be more severe, causing total baldness (alopecia totalis) or total loss of body hair (alopecia universalis).
Is alopecia universalis a disability?
Alopecia areata is not medically disabling, persons with alopecia areata are usually in excellent health. But emotionally, this disease can be challenging, especially for those with extensive hair loss.
Does stress cause alopecia?
Excessive physical or emotional stress—like that associated with injury, illness, or surgery—can cause one of two types of hair loss: Alopecia areata: This stress-induced hair loss involves a white blood cell attack on the hair follicles.
Can you get alopecia at any age?
You can get alopecia areata at any age, however, most people develop it by 30 years of age. For many, the disease begins during childhood or the teenage years.
What are the 3 types of alopecia?
Most people know alopecia to be a form of hair loss. However, what they don’t always know is that there are three main types of the condition – alopecia areata, alopecia totalis and alopecia universalis.
CONTINUE READING BELOW
Can alopecia Be Cured?
There’s currently no cure for alopecia areata. However, there are treatments that may help hair grow back more quickly and that can prevent future hair loss, as well as unique ways to cover up the hair loss. Resources are also available to help people cope with stress related to hair loss.
What is the best treatment for alopecia?
Topical minoxidil
Minoxidil, commonly known as Rogaine, is a topical treatment that’s easy to apply and can be easily purchased over the counter. Minoxidil works to help the hair grow faster once the follicle is no longer under attack by the immune system and is capable of producing hair.
Is alopecia contagious?
Alopecia is not contagious.
Does alopecia reduce life expectancy?
It’s not.” It’s this stigma, along with the fact that alopecia doesn’t actually shorten a patient’s life span, that’s kept it low on the list of priority diseases for research.