The key difference between alopecia totalis and universalis is that alopecia totalis is a condition in which a person loses all hair on the scalp, while alopecia universalis is a condition in which a person loses all hair in the body, leaving the entire body hairless.
Alopecia is a group of conditions characterized by hair loss. Generally, it is not contagious. But it can be a sign of another underlying health problem. Alopecia is mainly of three types: alopecia areata (patchy hair loss in any part of the body), alopecia totalis (total hair loss in the scalp), and alopecia universalis (total hair loss in the body).
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Alopecia Totalis
3. What is Alopecia Universalis
4. Similarities – Alopecia Totalis and Universalis
5. Alopecia Totalis vs Universalis in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Alopecia Totalis vs Universalis
What is Alopecia Totalis?
When a person loses entire hair on the scalp, it is called alopecia totalis. Researchers are still trying to discover the exact aetiology of alopecia totalis. However, it appears to be related to an unusual immune system reaction or response. The symptoms of this condition may include complete loss of all head hair, hair loss beginning suddenly and occurring rapidly, and having brittle and pitted nails. The risk factors for this condition include children and adults younger than 40 years, genetic predisposition, family history, and chronic stress.
Alopecia totalis can be diagnosed through family history, visual and physical examination, scalp biopsy, and blood test. Furthermore, several therapies are effective for restoring hair loss in alopecia totalis, such as corticosteroids, minoxidil (rogaine), diphencyprone (DPCP), ultraviolet light therapy, and tofacitinib.
What is Alopecia Universalis?
Alopecia universalis is a type of hair loss that causes complete hair loss on the scalp and the body. The symptoms of alopecia universalis include loss of body hair, eyebrows, scalp hair, eyelashes, pubic area hair, and hair inside the nose, and itching or a burning feeling in the affected area. Alopecia universalis is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its own cells, such as hair follicles. The risk factors for alopecia universalis include genetic factors, stress, atopic dermatitis (eczema), human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex, vitamin D deficiencies, and having other autoimmune conditions like thyroid diseases, vitiligo, and lupus.
Alopecia universalis can be diagnosed through physical examination, scalp biopsy, blood work, and genetic testing. Furthermore, treatment options for alopecia universalis may include immunomodulatory agents such as imiquimod, tofacitinib citrate, contact immunotherapy, which involves the use of contact allergens such as diphencyprone and squaric acid dibutyl-ester, topical and intralesional corticosteroids like clobetasol propionate, and Janus kinase inhibitors.
What are the Similarities Between Alopecia Totalis and Alopecia Universalis?
- Alopecia totalis and universalis are two types of alopecia.
- Scalp hair loss is involved in both conditions.
- Both are autoimmune conditions.
- Both conditions can be diagnosed through physical examination, scalp biopsy, and blood tests.
- They can be treated with specific therapies.
What is the Difference Between Alopecia Totalis and Universalis?
Alopecia totalis is a condition in which a person loses all hair on the scalp, while alopecia universalis is a condition in which a person loses all hair in the body, leaving the entire body hairless. Thus, this is the key difference between alopecia totalis and universalis. Furthermore, the risk factors for alopecia totalis include children and adults younger than 40 years, genetic predisposition, family history, and chronic stress. On the other hand, the risk factors for alopecia universalis include genetic factors, family members, stress, atopic dermatitis (eczema), human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex, vitamin D deficiencies, and having other autoimmune conditions like thyroid diseases, vitiligo, and lupus.
The infographic below presents the differences between alopecia totalis and universalis in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
Summary – Alopecia Totalis vs Universalis
Alopecia or hair loss can affect just the scalp or the entire body. It can also be temporary or permanent. Moreover, it can be related to family history (heredity), hormonal changes, medical conditions, medications and supplements, radiation therapy to the head, stressful events, and hairstyles and treatments. Alopecia totalis and universalis are two types of alopecia. Alopecia totalis causes complete hair loss only on the scalp, while alopecia universalis causes complete hair loss on the scalp and the body. So, this is the key difference between alopecia totalis and universalis.
Reference:
1. “Alopecia Totalis – about the Disease.” Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.
2. Higuera, Valencia. “Alopecia Universalis: Causes, Treatment, and Regrowth.” Healthline.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Crop emotionless bald woman standing in studio” (CC0) via Pexels