What is Alopecia Universalis ?

Alopecia universalis is an extreme manifestation of the hair loss condition, alopecia areata. The main symptom of alopecia areata—thought to be an autoimmune disorder for which the triggering mechanism is unknown—is patchy hair loss over the scalp. Alopecia universalis is a different hair loss condition in that research has pegged it as an inherited autosomal recessive trait.

Residing in chromosome band 8p21.2, a mutated HR gene is the cause of alopecia universalis. A child born with this hair loss condition may have some hair at birth, but will start losing it rapidly. Alopecia universalis causes the sufferer to lose valuable protective hair as well, such as the eyelashes and nostril hair. This hair loss condition can also cause distorted fingernails and toenails in the victim.

More than just a severe hair loss condition, people with this mutated gene may be more susceptible to vitiligo and thyroid disease. However, apart from genetics, it is not known what else might cause or worsen alopecia universalis.

Over 4.7 million people in the U.S. suffer with alopecia areata, and it affects two percent of the worldwide population. Only a fraction of these will experience alopecia universalis.

It is possible for alopecia universalis to be a temporary or permanent hair loss condition. Regrowth is always feasible, even for people who suffer this most extreme hair loss condition for several years. However, hair regrowth and loss are unpredictable, cyclical, and different with each person.

There are treatment options for alopecia areata, but their effectiveness decreases with the severity of the hair loss condition. Possible treatments for alopecia universalis are as follows:

• Cortisone pills or injections.
• Topical immunotherapy, or chemically inducing a rash where the hair loss condition is prevalent.