What is Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA)?
Diffuse unpatterned alopecia (DUPA) is a rare type of widespread hair loss that permeates throughout the entire scalp. The hair loss can and does affect all areas of the scalp including the area traditionally safe from hair loss, the safe donor zone in the occipital scalp This makes hair restoration unsafe for the long term and potentially a waste of money.
How is Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) Different From Normal Alopecia?
DUPA usually presents itself on the sides and the back of the head at first, unlike male pattern hair loss (MPH), which typically occurs at the hairline and the crown. DUPA can even sometimes mimic the symptoms of male pattern hair loss (MPH) at first glance, but it soon differentiates itself by its rapid speed and unprecedented widespread distribution of hair loss.
As the name insinuates, DUPA hair loss does not conform to any one pattern of traditional hair loss, and mainly causes changes in hair density as opposed to complete baldness. As such, it cannot be identified using the widely recognized Hamilton/Norwood charts, which visually depicts the most common forms of hair loss.
How can my Doctor Diagnose Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia?
Your doctor will be able to notice an equal amount of hair loss throughout the scalp, and will be able to rule out any chemical or physical traumas. In the early stages, doctors may be able to identify distinctly miniaturized hairs that can indicate DUPA by using magnifying equipment. In later stages, your doctor will be able to tell because the scalp is visible, and the hair loss will not fit traditional patterns.
Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and the Donor Zone
DUPA causes the hair follicles to miniaturize where the hair follicles shrink to the point that they can no longer produce healthy hair. Unlike diffuse patterned alopecia (DPA), which does not affect hair on the back of the scalp (known as the occipital region), DUPA causes miniaturization on the top, back, and sides of the head. No area is safe from miniaturization.
Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and Transplants
Since the donor zone is compromised, hair transplants are not generally recommended for those with DUPA. A follicular unit transplant (FUT) will simply not work because it requires the hairs to be dissected from the donor zone, which is insufficient in this case.
A follicular unit extraction (FUE) is similar to a FUT, but it can utilize hairs that are not in the donor zone. However, these alternative hairs are usually not in good condition due to DUPA, and will often not survive. Thus, a FUE procedure on a patient with DUPA will most likely yield temporary results that will be completely negated as the transplant hairs succumb to the androgenic condition.
Medical Treatments for Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA)
Men and women can alleviate their DUPA symptoms by taking Rogaine or Propecia. Although the medication may slow down the rate of DUPA, it is by no means a way to end the condition permanently. As of now, there is no permanent solution to stop, maintain or reverse the effects of DUPA
Who is most at Risk for Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA)?
DUPA is thought to be genetic, and can occur at any age. However, it is far more prevalent among women. In fact, DUPA is the leading cause of hair loss for women in general. Perhaps this is why women are rarely seen balding in the same horseshoe-shaped pattern that men with diffuse patterned alopecia tend to.