Severe forms of alopecia areata causing complete scalp hair loss or complete body hair loss.
Alopecia totalis refers to loss of all or nearly all scalp hair. Alopecia universalis refers to loss of scalp and body hair, often including eyebrows, eyelashes and body hair. Both are severe forms within the alopecia areata spectrum. They can have a major psychological impact and often need specialist dermatology input. Treatment may include immunomodulatory therapies, and access to newer options depends on severity, age, licensing, local pathways and suitability. Regrowth can occur, but response is variable and relapse is possible.
DermNet: Trichoscopy of generalised noncicatricial hair loss — https://dermnetnz.org/topics/trichoscopy-of-generalised-noncicatricial-hair-loss; NICE TA958: Ritlecitinib for severe alopecia areata — https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta958/chapter/1-Recommendations; Anastassakis K. Androgenetic Alopecia From A to Z, Vol. 2, Springer, 2022 — https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-08057-9
