Alopecia totalis | |
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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]
Disorders of skin appendages | |||||||||||||||||||
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Nail |
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Hair |
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Sweat glands |
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