Alopecia Universalis

Alopecia universalis (AU) is a condition characterized by the complete loss of hair on the scalp and body. It is an advanced form of alopecia areata, a condition that causes round patches of hair loss. Although the exact cause of AU is unknown, it is thought to be an autoimmune condition in which the person's immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles. An interaction between genetic and environmental factors is thought to play a role in the condition's onset. There is currently no cure for AU, but sometimes hair regrowth occurs on its own, even after many years.