alopecia totalis alopecia totalis alopecia totalis is the loss of all hair on the head and face. its causes are unclear, but believed to be autoimmune. research suggests there may be a genetic component linked to developing alopecia totalis; the presence of drb1*0401 and dqb1*0301, both of which are human leukocyte antigens (hla), were found to be associated with long-standing alopecia totalis. alopecia totalisa woman with alopecia totalisspecialtydermatology treatment methotrexate and corticosteroids are proposed treatments. scalp cooling has specifically been used to prevent alopecia in docetaxel chemotherapy, although it has been found prophylactic in other regimens as well. treatment effects may take time to resolve, with one study showing breast cancer survivors wearing wigs up to 2 years after chemotherapy.