Alopecia universalis

Alopecia universalis is the most severe form of alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks hair follicles. It causes complete loss of hair over the entire body, including the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair such as chest, armpit, and pubic hair. Despite the extent of hair loss, affected individuals generally remain in good general health and have a normal life expectancy, since the condition affects only hair follicles rather than other organ systems. Genetic factors appear to contribute to risk, with roughly one in five affected people having a family member who also has some form of alopecia. The condition is classified under dermatology and is coded ED70.2Y in the ICD-11 and L63.1 in the ICD-10, and is considered a rare disease. Treatment options are limited; topical corticosteroids such as clobetasol propionate are sometimes used, though no therapy reliably restores hair growth in the most extensive cases, and many people manage the condition with wigs or other cosmetic measures rather than medical treatment.