Alopecia Totalis

Definition

Definition of Alopecia Totalis
Alopecia totalis is the loss of all head hair. Its causes are unclear, but it is currently believed to be an autoimmune disorder. Stress is sometimes thought to be a contributor in alopecia areata. However, many people leading relatively stress-free lives experience the syndrome.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Alopecia Totalis

1. Total loss of scalp hair
2. Baldness

Causes

Causes of Alopecia Totalis
This condition comes about as a result of an autoimmune disorder which causes your immune system to attack your hair follicles. In most cases there is small chance of hair recovery, however there have been cases of complete restoration as well. Consider it a genetic auto immune condition that has an unknown trigger, and which can sometimes be "un-triggered" for unknown reasons. They are still researching why hair follicles are the target of the autoimmune activities.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Alopecia Totalis
On occasion, a scalp biopsy may be performed. Several blood tests may be done, because alopecia areata may occur with autoimmune conditions.

Treatment

Treatment of Alopecia Totalis
The main treatment for Alopecia Totalis are therapies which focus on immunomodulation, such as glucocorticoid injections, anthralin, or glucocorticoids taken orally. We have heard reports from some that years of steroid therapy can put the condition into remission. Years of steroid therapy is not always enjoyable however, as there are side effects. It is important to comment that Rogaine (Minoxidil) is not effective for those with Alopecia Totalis. Some treatments which have been considered include Methotrexate, a treatment for autoimmune disorders, and corticosteroids have been proposed as treatments.

Several genes have been studied and quite a bit of research has focused on the human leukocyte antigen. Two studies demonstrated that human leukocyte antigen DQ3 (DQB1*03) was found in more than 80% of patients with Alopecia Areata, which suggests that it can be a marker for general susceptibility to Alopecia Areata. The studies also found that HLA DQ7 (DQB1*0301) and human leukocyte antigen DR4 (DRB1*0401) were found quite a bit more often in patients with Alopecia Totalis (AT) and Alopecia Universalis (AU).

Prognosis

Prognosis of Alopecia Totalis
A prognosis of total baldness for an unknown reason and with no effective treatment is not simple to hear. Know why it happens and then go on to either embracing the baldness or covering it perfectly.

Prevention

Prevention of Alopecia Totalis
A variety of treatment is also available for hair loss. But, roughly even today the treatment for alopecia has a limited success rate. Prevention is always better than cure is very much applicable to hair loss. It is really much simpler to prevent the falling out of healthy hair than re-growing new ones. Regular exercise also can help keep androgen levels low naturally and reduce falling of hair. Stress reduction also can stop hair loss. A balanced and a nutritious diet reduces the falling of hair to a fantastic extent.