Alopecia areata universalis is an autoimmune disease that causes complete loss of all hair on the body, including the head and face, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. The disease occurs when the immune system, which is meant to fight off infection from foreign invaders like bacteria, mistakenly attacks the hair follicles instead. Alopecia universalis is the most extensive form of alopecia areata and the most difficult to treat.
Cortisone
Sometimes cortisone pills are used to treat alopecia universalis, but this is rare because the pills can cause side effects when used for a long period of time, according to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation. The drugs can cause high blood pressure and cataracts. But for healthy young patients, this may be an option because they can sometimes tolerate the drugs well with few side effects, reports NAAF. But any hair that is grown will fall out once the patient stops taking the drugs.
Immunotherapy
Sometimes alopecia universalis is treated by creating an allergic rash on the scalp with such chemicals as diphencyprone, dinitrochlorobenzene or squaric acid dibutyl ester, according to NAAF. About 40 percent of patients will grow hair after about six months of the treatment, notes the foundation. Patients who have success with this treatment will have to continue using it to keep their hair. The treatment causes an itchy, often-uncomfortable rash that resembles poison ivy and it takes three months to a year to work, adds NAAF.
Wigs
Treatments for alopecia universalis do not work for everyone, explains NAAF. For those who can't regrow their own hair, a wig is an option. A properly fitted wig can look natural, but it must be properly cut, thinned and styled, and this can take multiple tries. Patients with total hair loss on the scalp may need a wig with suction caps to keep the wig in place. Women can also learn to use makeup to hide the effects of hair loss on the face.
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