Alopecia totalis | |
---|---|
A woman with alopecia totalis | |
Specialty | Dermatology |
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]
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]
Alopecia totalis | |
---|---|
A woman with alopecia totalis | |
Specialty | Dermatology |
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]
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]