Alopecia universalis

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Disease Overview

Alopecia universalis (AU) is a condition characterized by the complete loss of hair on the scalp and body. It is an advanced form of alopecia areata, a condition that causes round patches of hair loss.[7603] Although the exact cause of AU is unknown, it is thought to be an autoimmune condition in which the person’s immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles.[13420] An interaction between genetic and environmental factors is thought to play a role in the condition’s onset.[7605] There is currently no cure for AU, but sometimes hair regrowth occurs on its own, even after many years.[13420]


Synonyms

  • Alopecia areata universalis
  • AU

For more information, visit GARD.

National Organization for Rare Disorders