Alopecia totalis is an autoimmune condition and a more severe form of alopecia areata. There are two main types of alopecia totalis, one that is characterised by gradual, round, ‘patchy’ hair loss (starting off as alopecia areata) which eventually leads to a complete loss of hair on the scalp, and another which is characterised by the sudden, complete loss of all hair on the scalp seemingly out of nowhere.
Who Is Most Commonly Affected?
The condition usually affects children and young adults, with the vast majority of sufferers being under the age of 40. It also affects double the number of men as it does women.
Is It Genetic?
Alopecia totalis is thought to be a genetic condition, at least to a certain extent, due to the fact that approximately 20% of sufferers will also have another family member who suffers from some form of alopecia.
Is It Treatable?
The good news is that while alopecia totalis is not curable, it can indeed be treated. The success of treatment will vary from patient to patient; however, common options include corticosteroid injections, topical corticosteroid creams and lotions, minoxidil lotion, dithranol cream, UV treatment and immunotherapy. Certain patients have also responded incredibly well to PRP and Mesotherapy. As an alternative, patients can consider non-surgical hair replacement.
Here at Hair Clinic International, we are specialists in a wide range of hair loss treatments and therapies, with non-surgical hair replacement therapy being a strong focus of ours. If you would like to find out whether or not you are a good candidate to start receiving this treatment, please do not hesitate to get in touch and book your free consultation with one of our experts.
