Hair Loss Beyond Control: Challenges of Alopecia Universalis

This is a type of alopecia areata. It is considered an autoimmune disease. In alopecia areata, patches appear on the scalp due to loss of hair on the head, whereas in alopecia totalis, hair on the entire head falls out. On the contrary, in Alopecia Universalis, hair starts falling on the head as well as on the entire body. Alopecia universalis (AU) is a condition that causes hair loss. This type of hair loss is unlike other forms of alopecia. Due to AU, the hair on your head and body starts falling completely. AU is a type of alopecia areata. However, it differs from localized alopecia areata, which causes patches of hair loss, and alopecia totalis, which causes complete loss of hair only on the scalp.

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When a person is a victim of Alopecia Universalis, the following symptoms may be seen -

• Full Body Hair Loss
• Eyebrow Hair Fall
• Hair Fall On Head
• Eyelash Hair Loss

Due to this problem, hair can fall in the pubic area i.e. genitals and nose. Some people may experience itching or burning along with all this. Hair may also fall out in the pubic area and inside your nose. Some people feel itching or burning in the affected areas. Atopic dermatitis and nail burrs are not symptoms of this type of alopecia. But both of these conditions can sometimes occur with alopecia areata. Atopic dermatitis is inflammation of the skin (eczema). To know the treatment of hair fall, please click on the link given here.

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At present, it is difficult to say what is the root cause behind Alopecia Universalis. Still, doctors believe that there are some factors which cause this type of hair fall. It can also be considered an advanced version of alopecia areata. Researchers believe that alopecia universalis is an autoimmune disease, in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles. The exact cause of AU is unknown. Doctors believe that certain factors may increase the risk of this type of hair loss. AU is an autoimmune disease. It occurs when the body's immune system attacks its own cells. The immune system mistakes the hair follicle for an invader. The immune system attacks the hair follicles as a defense mechanism, causing hair loss. If other people in your family also develop the condition, there may be a genetic link. People with alopecia areata may have a higher risk of other autoimmune diseases, such as vitiligo and thyroid disease. Stress can also precipitate the onset of AU.

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Let us know in detail about some other reasons for this -

1. Genetic
2. Environmental Factors

The National Institute of Health also says that there is no therapy available yet to cure this problem. The aim of treatment is to slow or stop hair loss. In some cases, treatment may cause hair to grow back in the affected areas. The condition is classified as an autoimmune disease, so doctors may give corticosteroids to suppress the immune system. The treatments help activate the hair follicles and promote hair growth. The doctor may also suggest ultraviolet light therapy to promote blood circulation and activate hair follicles. If the treatment works, it may take up to six months for hair to grow back in the affected areas. But even when treatment is successful and hair grows back, hair loss may resume when treatment is stopped. Still, doctors treat the patient according to his age, medical history and severity of hair loss. Although, there is no cure for Alopecia Universalis, still the doctor can give the following types of medicines to the patient -

• Diphenylcyclopropanone – This is a topical medicine. According to the condition of the patient, the doctor can advise you to use it. It has been found beneficial in the treatment of some people.
• Squaric acid dipropyl ester – This medicine is also used in the treatment of alopecia areata.
• Steroids – This medicine can help reduce immune response and inflammation.
• Cyclosporine – This is an immunosuppressive drug, given with a steroid called methylprednisolone.

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The symptoms of AU vary. Doctors can usually test for AU by looking at hair loss patterns. Sometimes, a scalp biopsy may also be done. A scalp biopsy involves removing a sample of skin from your scalp and observing the sample under a microscope. To determine the exact cause, doctors may also perform blood tests to rule out other conditions that can cause hair loss, such as thyroid disease and lupus.

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Alopecia Universalis is a serious problem due to which hair starts falling all over the body. The doctor says that this problem has been solved considering the age of the person, medical condition and severity of hair fall. Although there is no cure for this problem yet, some medicines have been suggested, by taking which you can reduce the problem of hair fall.