Alopecia is one of the most common causes of hair loss—but within that category, there are several forms that alopecia can take. While alopecia areata is the most common—and thus, the best-known—alopecia universalis and alopecia totalis can also lead to hair loss, in both men and in women. In this post, we’ll explain what these two conditions entail, and end with some notes on treatment and hair replacement.
All About Alopecia Totalis
You may already know how alopecia areata works. An autoimmune disorder, this condition causes the immune system to attack the hair follicles; the result is patchy hair loss that may result in some bald spots, but rarely leads to complete baldness. It’s not curable, but hair usually grows back in time.
Alopecia totalis is similar in some critical regards. It, too, is an autoimmune condition, and it, too, involves the immune system turning on the follicles. The difference here is with regard to the extent of hair loss. Rather than leading to bald patches, it usually results in complete hair loss on the scalp.
Not only that, but it can affect hair elsewhere on the body—specifically, the eyebrows and the eyelashes. It does not impact other body hair, but it can impact the nails, causing them to become brittle and thin.
There are no other physical side effects to alopecia totalis, but there can be psychological and emotional side effects of the sudden and complete hair loss. The exact cause of alopecia totalis, like alopecia areata, remains unknown, though many scientists have posited that the condition is genetic, and that it can be “triggered” by stress and anxiety, or even by sudden shock.
Additionally, note that this condition impacts far more men than it does women, though women can get it; also note that most people with alopecia totalis will experience the effects of this condition before they reach age 40.
What About Alopecia Universalis?
That’s alopecia totalis in a nutshell—but what about the other form of alopecia we mentioned, alopecia universalis?
This is both the least common and the most severe of all forms of alopecia. It works along the same lines as alopecia totalis, with one key difference: It impacts hair not just on the head and the face, but all over the body. Those with alopecia universalis can lose literally all the hair they have, from head to toe.
Alopecia universalis is assumed to be a genetic abnormality—a mutation that’s present from birth, but may not manifest until later in life. As with other forms of hair loss, the psychological effects can be bruising and disheartening. With that said, there are ways to address all forms of alopecia.
What to Do About Alopecia
If you are concerned that you might have alopecia, the first thing we’d recommend is that you visit us at Mane Image for an evaluation. Our stylists can take a look at your scalp and even conduct some trichological testing on your hair. The process is private, painless, and non-invasive, yet it allows us to get a better grasp on why you’re struggling with hair loss.
Alopecia is not curable, in any forms, but you can talk to your doctor about immunotherapy, which can often be effective in minimizing the symptoms. Mane Image can also make recommendations for laser hair therapy, topical solutions, and more.
Additionally, there are steps you can take toward hair replacement. A hair system, for example, can help you to look and feel your best again, and to rebound from any loss in self-confidence that stems from your hair loss. You can learn more about this and other potential solutions when you join us at Mane Image for your free consultation.
Get Help for Alopecia Universalis and Alopecia Totalis
No matter the type or extent of alopecia you’re dealing with, Mane Image can provide you with both diagnosis and care. Come talk to us today about your hair loss; get to the bottom of its cause, and explore some potential solutions. Connect with us at Mane Image now to start the process.
