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

Pierluigi Collina, a famous football referee, is known for his distinctive appearance due to alopecia universalis.

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

• Alopecia areata
• Autoimmune disease
• Hair loss