Alopecia Totalis

Understanding alopecia totalis

A condition of total head hair loss due to autoimmune disorder is called alopecia totalis. It is part of three hair loss conditions, alopecia areata, alopecia universalis and alopecia totalis. It is considered to be an intermediary condition between the patchy scalp hair loss of alopecia areata and total body hair loss of alopecia universalis.
Alopecia totalis can occur in one of two ways. It can occur as a sudden and complete hair loss of head hair or advance slowly from alopecia areata. Though it is usually children and young adults below 40 years who suffer from alopecia totalis; sometimes people of other ages may also suffer from it.
It is an autoimmune disorder where your immune system attacks your hair follicles where its trigger is unknown. Similarly, the condition can also get un-triggered for no reason at all. This is why some people suffering from alopecia totalis have a chance complete hair restoration without the use of hair loss products.

Common treatment option

Immunomodulation with injections or oral tablets is the most chosen hair loss treatment option for alopecia totalis. Some people state that years of steroid therapy can lead to a remission of the condition; however it is not advised to take steroids for so long as it has its share of side effects.
Moreover, the steroids that are used for treating other hair loss problems like Rogaine is not effective in treating alopecia totalis. The suggested treatment options include the use of Methotrexate for treating autoimmune disorders, and corticosteroids.

Not painful or contagious

On the whole, alopecia totalis is a disease that leads to profound hair loss. However it is good to hear that it is not a painful disease nor does it make you fall sick. In addition to this, this is not a contagious skin condition for you to worry about those near you contracting it from you.
In fact, most of the people who suffer from the disease are rather healthy. Moreover it has no connection or relation with life expectancy or will it hamper you with your day to day activities.

Living with alopecia totalis

However it is the psychological aspects of living with complete hair loss that proves to be difficult to handle for many. The best thing to do if you suffer from alopecia totalis is to discuss your feelings, symptoms, cures and observations with others who suffer from the same situation and find the right hair loss treatment.
It wouldn’t hurt you to resort to professional therapy too. With some counseling and comfort from others suffering from the same condition, you find it easier to handle your hair loss than any other treatment option or medication for alopecia totalis.
Joining community groups, participating in forums and reading to learn as much as you can about alopecia totalis helps you deal with the condition much better. Make observations, and consult your doctor for the right step to take to control your hair loss problems. Don’t resort to self medication as alopecia totalis is a hair loss condition that cannot be treated using over the counter medication.