Alopecia UniversalisAlopecia universalis (AU) is a rare medical condition involving rapid hair loss of all hair, including eyelashes and eyebrows, and all body hair. The condition can occur at any age. In some cases, a person is born with no hair at all (while many babies are mostly bald at birth, most have some hair, and they have eyelashes). The condition may be permanent, or hair may regrow at some point. Cause of AU Alopecia universalis is an inherited disorder. It is caused by a mutation of a gene known as HR in chromosome band 8p21.2. This gene is the human equivalent of the mouse “hairless” gene (the human version of the gene that is responsible for hairless mice). AU is also believed to be an autoimmune disorder. Skin biopsies have found immune cells in the hair follicles, where they are not normally present. The body attacks the hair follicles, causing hair to fall out and interfering with the normal growth of new hair. While alopecia universalis is not caused by a hormonal disorder, it is often seen in persons with thyroid disorders. It is often seen in persons with vitiligo, an autoimmune disease in which pigment cells are destroyed, resulting in white patches on the skin. It is also common in persons with chromosomal disorders such as Down’s Syndrome. Treatment of AU AU may resolve itself in time without treatment, but that can take a year or more. On the other hand, in some cases it never responds to treatment and hair loss is permanent. Topical immunotherapy is the most recommended treatment for alopecia universalis. This involves the placement of irritants on the skin in order to provoke an allergic reaction. The reaction irritates the hair follicles, which in turn stimulates hair growth. Chemicals such as Squaric Acid Dibutyl Ester (SADBE), Diphencyprone (DPCP), and Cyclosporine are used to stimulate this reaction. SADBE and DPCP are more commonly used in Europe and in Canada than in the U.S. About 40% of patients experience hair regrowth after six months of treatment with topical immunotherapy. Treatment must be continued until the disease has run its course, or hair loss will return. In the U.S., AU is sometimes treated with Imiquimod, a topical cream that is used to treat a number of skin diseases, including skin cancer. It’s not certain just how it works, but it has been shown to be effective in some cases of AU. A study reported in the journal Archives of Dermatology (volume 134, 1998) indicated that certain aromatherapy oils had been found to be effective at treating AU in some patients. Cedarwood, lavender, rosemary, and thyme oils were used in the study with some success at treating the condition. Traditional hair loss treatments may or may not be effective for alopecia universalis. It varies from person to person. You should talk to your doctor about the best treatment for you. The Emotional Side of AU Living with AU can be emotionally difficult. The disorder affects both men and women equally, but may be more difficult for women to cope with than for men. Bald men are more “socially acceptable” in our society than bald women. Both men and women with the condition may feel self-conscious, however, and withdraw from social situations. Wearing wigs or other head coverings can help relieve that anxiety while waiting for treatment to take effect. Support groups, where available, can also be helpful. Recommended Hair Loss TreatmentThe editors at ezHairCare have extensively researched hair loss treatments, and have recently found one that we are really excited about. This breakthrough product combines a topical solution with a nutritional supplement to maximize its effectiveness. To read more about our recommended hair loss product, just follow this link.More than alopecia universalis on our reasons for hair loss page
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