What are the Reason for Alopecia Universalis & Its Effective Treatment

What are the Reason for Alopecia Universalis & Its Effective Treatment

Alopecia Universalis

Alopeica univeralis is considered to be the most extensive and advance form of alopecia areata since it involves very rapid hair loss of all hair not only in the scalp but also the hair in the eyelashes and eyebrows.

This condition can happen to anyone regardless of age and sex and has been known as an autoimmune disorder. This means that a patient’s immune system that has alopecia universalis tends to reject hair.

Patients that suffer from this disorder are considered healthy but often have higher risks in developing vitiligo which is a disease in the thyroid.


They are also commonly born with good sets of hair but tend to lose it after a while due to the inheritance of an automosal recessive trait from parents or other relatives.

Alopecia Universalis Symptoms

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  Rapid loss of hair in the scalp, eyebrows, eye lashes, pubic area, facial and body hair.
  
  


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  Baldness and absence of body hair upon birth.
  
  


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  Patchy skin discoloration. This is due to the development of the thyroid disease known as vitiligo which is very common in patients with alopecia universalis.
  
  


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  Kyphosis and scoliosis. These are both abnormalities of the bones that are considered as secondary symptoms of the disorder.
  
  
  Posture is greatly affected by these conditions.
  
  


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  Dyschromia or mottling of the skin. This is characterized by skin discolorations that happen in irregular patches and is also considered as a secondary symptom of the disorder.
  
  


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  Hyperpigmentation. This is characterized by dark patches that develop in some areas of the skin and mainly brought about by the absence of hair that protects the skin from too much sun exposure.
  
  


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  Axillary freckling or developing freckles in the groin and armpit areas.
  
  


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  Formation of café au lait spots or skin lesions that take a coffee with cream color.
  
  

Alopecia Universalis Treatment

Treatment options of the condition have still been widely studied. Those that are available today do not ensure 100% cure and effectiveness and vary from one patient to another. These include:

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  Topical Immunotherapy. A mild chemical is placed on the affected area to create an allergic reaction. This reaction agitates the deep rooted hair follicles that are still present to promote hair growth or regrowth. It is a continuous treatment procedure that may take six months or more before results can be observed.
  
  


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  Cortisone Pills. It can promote hair growth but once it is stopped, the hair will also fall. Patients who intend to use this kind of treatment should check first with their doctors for possible side effects.
  
  


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  Ultra Violet Light Therapy. A Kromayer’s ultra violet lamp is used once in one week or once in two weeks depending on the extent of the condition. Patients can see hair growing but will be lost again when the treatment is stopped.
  
  


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  Wearing of customized wigs can help protect and camouflage the bald head.