The Head & Alopecia Totalis
When people suffer from extreme hair loss, it is common for the hair around the ears and the base of the skull to continue to grow. Alopecia totalis is a condition in which this is not the case, and hair loss on the scalp is complete.
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Alopecia Areata
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Alopecia is a condition in which the hair begins to fall out. It is not usually accompanied by rashes or swelling, as other conditions that cause hair loss can be, and has three distinct forms. These are patchy alopecia areata, which causes oval bald patches; alopecia totalis , which causes complete head or scalp baldness; and alopecia universalis, which causes complete scalp and body baldness. English actor and comedian Matt Lucas suffers from alopecia universalis. Traction alopecia is a different form of the disorder primarily caused by pulling tension being placed on the hair. It occurs most in women who wear tight braids.
Causes
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Alopecia totalis causes total scalp baldness, though this may not include other parts of the head such as the eyebrows. The exact reasons for alopecia totalis are unknown, though some physicians belief that it may be caused by problems in the autoimmune system. Occasionally alopecia totalis can be a symptom of a larger disease. Sufferers of alopecia totalis may find that they also suffer from brittle nails with a ridged appearance.
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Treatment
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There is no known treatment for alopecia totalis that will be guaranteed to work. Some people suffering from alopecia areata respond well to hair regrowth drugs, such as minoxidil and finasteride. However, a good response is not guaranteed for those whose alopecia affects the whole head, as widespread hair loss may be more difficult to recover from. This means that people suffering from alopecia totalis are less likely to recover their hair.
Types
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Alopecia can occur in two different ways. The first is a swift loss of all the hair on the head. This type of alopecia can occur so quickly that you may become completely bald within a week. The other form begins as patchy alopecia areata. However, the patches begin to expand, eventually leading to alopecia totalis. Alopecia totalis is most common in men and women under the age of 40.
Considerations
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As with any medical condition it is important to talk to your doctor about what treatment options, if any, are suitable for your hair loss. As alopecia totalis can sometimes also be a symptom of a different medical issue, it is wise to seek medical advice on the cause of the condition, if one can be found.
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