What Is Alopecia Totalis?

Alopecia is a medical condition that affects men and women, and leads to loss of hair. Types of alopecia range from mild to severe. Alopecia totalis is a severe condition resulting in total loss of the hair on the head.

Causes

• Although the exact cause of alopecia totalis is unknown, experts agree that it is a form of autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks hair follicles, resulting in hair loss or baldness. Alopecia tends to be genetic, so if a family member has it, you may be at increased risk.

  Stress may also be a cause or trigger of the disease, but as of September 2010, this has not been proven scientifically.

Symptoms

• The obvious symptom of alopecia totalis is severe hair loss. Alopecia totalis differs from other forms of alopecia in that it causes a complete loss of hair on the scalp. While it is normal to lose up to 100 hairs a day, excessive hair loss may signal alopecia or a more serious illness. If you are losing an unusual amount of hair, consult your doctor.

Treatment

• Because alopecia totalis is an autoimmune syndrome, treatment usually begins with immunomodulation therapy. These treatments may include injections, oral supplements, or topical applications of corticosteroids. Topical treatment with Rogaine (minoxidil) can also help to regrow hair.

  Although there is no cure for the disease, lost hair may grow back with treatment. If it doesn't, transplants, wigs and toupees can help to cover a bald scalp.