We have already looked at alopecia areata and alopecia totalis, the two most common types of the hair loss condition known as alopecia, in which hair loss is restricted to the scalp or to small patches on the body. We now move on to the most dramatic and emotionally devastating variety of the hair loss condition – alopecia universalis.
Alopecia universalis is the most severe form of hair loss, involving the total loss of hair from all parts of the body, including the eyelashes and eyebrows. This onset of this condition often occurs rapidly, which can be very distressing for most sufferers.
The cause of alopecia universalis is believed to be an autoimmune disorder, in which the body attacks the hair follicles. The condition can afflict anyone of any age, and factors such as emotional stress and genetics are often named as triggers. This is the same way that researchers believe that alopecia areata and alopecia totalis are caused.
If you suffer from alopecia universalis – and an estimated 1 in 100,000 people do – you are not alone. There have been numerous well-known sufferers, such as the British comedian Matt Lucas, former Olympic swimmer Duncan Goodhew, NBA basketball player Charlie Villanueva and Australian racing driver Dean Canto.