Alopecia universalis
Alopecia universalis | |
---|---|
| |
Person with alopecia universalis (Matt Richards) | |
Specialty |
Dermatology |
Alopecia universalis (AU) or alopecia areata universalis is a medical condition involving 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
References
- ↑ "Alopecia universalis | Disease | Overview | Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) – an NCATS Program". rarediseases.info.nih.gov. Retrieved 2016-03-01.
- ↑ Robins DN (2007). "Case reports: alopecia universalis: hair growth following initiation of simvastatin and ezetimibe therapy". Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 6 (9): 946–7. PMID 17941369.
- ↑ "Alopecia universalis | Disease | Overview | Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) – an NCATS Program". rarediseases.info.nih.gov. Retrieved 2016-03-01.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ "Hairless Man Grows Full Head Of Hair In Yale Arthritis Drug Trial". boston.cbslocal.com.
External links
Classification |
---|