Alopecia universalis: Difference between revisions
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{{SI}}<br> | |||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Alopecia universalis | |||
| image = [[File:Pierluigi_Collina_2010.jpg|alt=Pierluigi Collina, a famous football referee, who has alopecia universalis]] | |||
| caption = [[Pierluigi Collina]], a famous football referee, who has alopecia universalis | |||
| field = [[Dermatology]] | |||
| synonyms = AU | |||
| symptoms = Complete loss of [[hair]] on the [[scalp]] and [[body]] | |||
| complications = [[Psychological]] impact, [[sunburn]] | |||
| onset = Any age, often in [[childhood]] or [[adolescence]] | |||
| duration = Long-term | |||
| causes = [[Autoimmune disease]] | |||
| risks = [[Family history]] of [[autoimmune disorders]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Clinical diagnosis]], [[biopsy]] | |||
| differential = [[Alopecia areata]], [[trichotillomania]], [[tinea capitis]] | |||
| treatment = [[Corticosteroids]], [[immunotherapy]], [[topical]] treatments | |||
| prognosis = Variable, often chronic | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
}} | |||
{{Short description|A rare condition characterized by complete hair loss on the scalp and body}} | {{Short description|A rare condition characterized by complete hair loss on the scalp and body}} | ||
==Alopecia Universalis== | ==Alopecia Universalis== | ||
'''Alopecia universalis''' is a medical condition characterized by the complete loss of hair on the scalp and body. It is an advanced form of [[alopecia areata]], an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss in patches. Alopecia universalis is considered a rare condition and can affect individuals of any age, gender, or ethnicity. | '''Alopecia universalis''' is a medical condition characterized by the complete loss of hair on the scalp and body. It is an advanced form of [[alopecia areata]], an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss in patches. Alopecia universalis is considered a rare condition and can affect individuals of any age, gender, or ethnicity. | ||
Latest revision as of 12:58, 4 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Alopecia universalis | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | AU |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Complete loss of hair on the scalp and body |
| Complications | Psychological impact, sunburn |
| Onset | Any age, often in childhood or adolescence |
| Duration | Long-term |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Autoimmune disease |
| Risks | Family history of autoimmune disorders |
| Diagnosis | Clinical diagnosis, biopsy |
| Differential diagnosis | Alopecia areata, trichotillomania, tinea capitis |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Corticosteroids, immunotherapy, topical treatments |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Variable, often chronic |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
A rare condition characterized by complete hair loss on the scalp and body
Alopecia Universalis[edit]
Alopecia universalis is a medical condition characterized by the complete loss of hair on the scalp and body. It is an advanced form of alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss in patches. Alopecia universalis is considered a rare condition and can affect individuals of any age, gender, or ethnicity.
Pathophysiology[edit]
Alopecia universalis is believed to be an autoimmune disease, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, leading to hair loss. The exact cause of this immune response is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The condition is associated with other autoimmune disorders, such as vitiligo, thyroid disease, and atopic dermatitis.
Symptoms[edit]
The primary symptom of alopecia universalis is the complete loss of hair on the scalp and body, including eyebrows, eyelashes, and other body hair. This can occur suddenly or gradually over time. Unlike other forms of hair loss, alopecia universalis does not typically cause scarring or skin changes.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of alopecia universalis is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic pattern of hair loss. A dermatologist may perform a scalp examination and review the patient's medical history. In some cases, a skin biopsy or blood tests may be conducted to rule out other conditions and confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment[edit]
There is currently no cure for alopecia universalis, and treatment options are limited. Some patients may respond to treatments that stimulate hair growth, such as topical or systemic corticosteroids, immunotherapy, or JAK inhibitors. However, these treatments are not universally effective, and hair regrowth may not be permanent.
Psychosocial Impact[edit]
Alopecia universalis can have a significant psychosocial impact on affected individuals, leading to emotional distress, anxiety, and depression. Support groups and counseling can be beneficial in helping patients cope with the condition and its effects on self-esteem and body image.
Notable Individuals[edit]
One of the most well-known individuals with alopecia universalis is Pierluigi Collina, a former Italian football referee recognized for his distinctive bald appearance. His condition has brought attention to alopecia universalis and helped raise awareness about the disorder.
