Alopecia universalis
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Related pages
Transform your life with W8MD's budget GLP-1 injections from $125.
W8MD offers a medical weight loss program to lose weight in Philadelphia. Our physician-supervised medical weight loss provides:
- Most insurances accepted or discounted self-pay rates. We will obtain insurance prior authorizations if needed.
- Generic GLP1 weight loss injections from $125 for the starting dose.
- Also offer prescription weight loss medications including Phentermine, Qsymia, Diethylpropion, Contrave etc.
NYC weight loss doctor appointments
Start your NYC weight loss journey today at our NYC medical weight loss and Philadelphia medical weight loss clinics.
- Call 718-946-5500 to lose weight in NYC or for medical weight loss in Philadelphia 215-676-2334.
- Tags:NYC medical weight loss, Philadelphia lose weight Zepbound NYC, Budget GLP1 weight loss injections, Wegovy Philadelphia, Wegovy NYC, Philadelphia medical weight loss, Brookly weight loss and Wegovy NYC
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD