Alopecia universalis

Alopecia universalis
Classification and external resources
Specialty	dermatology
ICD-10	L63.1

Alopecia universalis (AU) or alopecia areata universalis is a medical condition involving rapid loss of all hair, including eyebrows and eyelashes. It is an advanced form of Alopecia areata.^[1]

Causes

Alopecia universalis can occur at any age, and is currently believed to be an autoimmune disorder, in which a person's immune system attacks the hair follicles. Genetic factors may contribute to AU as approximately 20% of those affected have a family member with alopecia.^{[2] [3]}

Treatment

There is no standard treatment for alopecia universalis. Many treatments have been explored, including immunomodulatory agents such as imiquimod.^[4] Tofacitinib citrate may also have benefits. In June 2014, it was reported that a 25-year-old man with almost no hair on his body grew a full head of hair, and eyebrows, eyelashes, facial, armpit and other hair, following 8 months of treatment.^[5]

See also

• Alopecia totalis

References

1. "Alopecia universalis | Disease | Overview | Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) – an NCATS Program". rarediseases.info.nih.gov. Retrieved 2016-03-01.
2. Robins DN (2007). "Case reports: alopecia universalis: hair growth following initiation of simvastatin and ezetimibe therapy". Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD 6 (9): 946–7. PMID 17941369.
3. "Alopecia universalis | Disease | Overview | Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) – an NCATS Program". rarediseases.info.nih.gov. Retrieved 2016-03-01.
4. Letada PR, Sparling JD, Norwood C (2007). "Imiquimod in the treatment of alopecia universalis". Cutis; cutaneous medicine for the practitioner 79 (2): 138–40. PMID 17388216.
5. "Hairless Man Grows Full Head Of Hair In Yale Arthritis Drug Trial". boston.cbslocal.com.

External links

• Children's Alopecia Project
• Charlie Villenueva & alopecia profile
• National Alopecia Areata Foundation