Eyebrow & Eyelash loss

I noticed about a year ago that I didnt have to shave my legs anymore, then I realised that my eyebrows had fallen out, the ones that have grown back are a very strange shape and then my eyelashes started falling out.  I then noticed that I hadnt got any hairs on my arms and now, my normal hair loss on my head has increased.  I use to have very thick hair and wasnt too concerned to begin with, but I am getting quite worried now.  I have been to my doctor but they cannot give me a specialist appointment for some time.  I am 57 years old, have not taken any birth control pills for 25 years.  Can you help???

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
What you seem to be having is alopecia universalis in which the entire body hair are lost. It is the most severe form of all alopecia and is currently believed to be an autoimmune disorder. There is no standard treatment of this disease but immunomodulatory agents such as imiquimod  are very helpful.

You should discuss these treatment options with your dermatologist. It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.