Alopecia totalis

Alopecia totalis is the loss of all hair on the head 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 (HLA), were found to be associated with long-standing alopecia totalis.[1]

Alopecia totalis
A woman with alopecia totalis
SpecialtyDermatology Edit this on Wikidata

Treatment

Methotrexate and corticosteroids are proposed treatments.[2]

Scalp cooling has specifically been used to prevent alopecia in docetaxel chemotherapy,[3] although it has been found prophylactic in other regimens as well.[4][5][6] Treatment effects may take time to resolve, with one study showing breast cancer survivors wearing wigs up to 2 years after chemotherapy.[7]

See also

References