Alopecia totalis is the loss of all
hair on the
head
A head is the part of an organism which usually includes the ears, brain, forehead, cheeks, chin, eyes, nose, and mouth, each of which aid in various sensory functions such as sight, hearing, smell, and taste. Some very simple animals ...
and
face. Its causes are unclear, but believed to be
autoimmune. Research suggests there may be a genetic component linked to developing alopecia totalis; the presence of DRB1*0401 and DQB1*0301, both of which are
Human Leukocyte Antigens
The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system or complex is a complex of genes on chromosome 6 in humans which encode cell-surface proteins responsible for the regulation of the immune system. The HLA system is also known as the human version of th ...
(HLA), were found to be associated with long-standing alopecia totalis.
Treatment
Methotrexate
Methotrexate (MTX), formerly known as amethopterin, is a chemotherapy agent and immune-system suppressant. It is used to treat cancer, autoimmune diseases, and ectopic pregnancies. Types of cancers it is used for include breast cancer, leuke ...
and
corticosteroid
Corticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones that are produced in the adrenal cortex of vertebrates, as well as the synthetic analogues of these hormones. Two main classes of corticosteroids, glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids, are inv ...
s are proposed treatments.
Scalp cooling has specifically been used to prevent alopecia in
docetaxel chemotherapy, although it has been found prophylactic in other regimens as well.
Treatment effects may take time to resolve, with one study showing breast cancer survivors wearing wigs up to 2 years after chemotherapy.
See also
*
Alopecia areata
*
Alopecia universalis
References
External links
{{Disorders of skin appendages
Conditions of the skin appendages
Human hair
Hair diseases