Alopecia universalis

What is Alopecia Universalis?

Alopecia Universalis is the most serious form of Alopecia Areata. It is a medial condition that causes rapid loss of all hair and occurs in about 1 in 100,000 people. It is thought to be autoimmune and is caused by a recessive gene. It can occur at any age. Some sufferers are born with hair and lose it quickly shortly after birth, others develop the disease later in life. Sufferers are otherwise usually in good to excellent health. There is a predisposition for Alopecia Universalis suffers to develop thyroid disease and vitiligo (patchy loss of skin color).

Treatments Available for Alopecia Universalis

There are several treatments available for alopecia universalis and all forms of alopecia. Thee is topical immunotherapy which consists of applying a topical cream medication which causes a rash or contact dermatitis that looks similar to poison ivy. About 40% of patients re-grow some hair after about 6 months of treatment. Another downside of this treatment is that it's not available in all areas of the United States but is widely available in Europe.

Androgenic Universalis
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Taking oral imunosupressors such as cortisone pills is an effective treatment for many at low doses. At higher doses there is a much greater chance of unwanted side effects. Unfortunately for most patients once they stop taking the pills they lose their hair again.

 

The best physical treatment for alopecia universalis is wigs. A good quality wig can look very natural and when adhered with double sided beauty tape can be worn during sports and other activities with confidence. There are also newer, state of the art wigs that have a silicone base and create something like a vacuum-seal between the wig and the head.

Support for Sufferers of Alopecia Universalis

Like any other chronic disease sufferers, alopecia universalis sufferers often experience mental symptoms such as depression, embarrassment, isolation, fear and if the disease developed later in life a feeling of loss or grief for hair they lost. Counseling and support groups can help in all of these situations. There are alopecia support groups in many areas. Seeing a private counselor is a good idea also if a sufferer finds it difficult to talk in front of, or with a group. There are also many online forums and groups for sufferers.

Another source for information is the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF). They run many special events and fundraisers, educate the public about the disease and of course do research for a cure.