Anxiety, surgery, child birth, emotionally stressful events medications are among just a few examples (9). This condition is called telogen effluvium, which the result of physical/emotional stress (9). There are however cases where stress results in hair loss (9). It must be stated that no medical / research studies have proven this theory. However, it is possible that extreme stress in addition to certain genetics (see above) and immune system problems could trigger both AA and AU (2)(8). It has not yet been definitively proved that stress causes alopecia universalis. Due to the fact that it requires specific genes from both parents, most people with either AA or AU will not end up passing on the condition to their children (7). This type of inherited condition is referred to as a polygenic disease, meaning "multiple genes" (7). Contrary to most inherited conditions, in order for AU to materialize both parents must contribute specific genes to pass AA to their children which is a precursor to AU (6). So, if someone in your family develops this condition there could be a genetic connection. It is theorised that AU is hereditary, in other words, it is thought that alopecia universalis runs in families (6). Due to this, the immune system attacks hair follicles in order to protect itself (2)(4). An autoimmune disease with respect to AU is when the body's own immune system mistakes hair follicles as foreign entities (2)(4). While the exact cause is unknown researchers believe that certain factors may increase the risk for this form of hair loss.ĪU is listed as an autoimmune disease (2). CausesĪs mentioned previously, alopecia universalis is believed to be a more advanced form of another condition called alopecia areata (AA) (4). Hair loss is sudden with bald spots appearing in just a couple days, with complete loss of hair occurring over an average of 90 days or less (4). The vast majority of alopecia universalis case stems from alopecia areata, which usually begins as patchy hair loss (3)(5). However, there have been isolated cases where some individuals experience an itching or burning sensation on areas where hair loss is present (4). The majority of individuals with AU do not have any other signs and/or symptoms that is attributed to the onset of AU (5). Symptoms Figure 1: Alopecia unievrsalis results in total hair lossĬharacterized by complete loss of hair on both the scalp and body (4). Hair can regrow, even after years since the onset of the condition (5).There currently is no cure for Alopecia Universalis (4).Alopecia Universalis does not permanently damage the hair follicles (4).While there is currently no cure for AU, there are many medical trials being undertaken to treat it (4). This is where an individuals immune system mistakenly attacks their body or in this case the individuals hair follicles (2).įurthermore, it is believed that the interaction between environmental and genetic factors plays a role in the onset of AU (3). While the exact cause is still unknown, it has been classified as an autoimmune disease. It is a more advanced form of alopecia areata, a condition that is characterized by patchy hair loss.(1). Alopecia universalis (AU) is a condition that is characterized by the complete loss of hair on the scalp and body.
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