Can STIs cause hair loss?

When you think of STIs, you may not think of hair loss. But it is indeed a symptom that some people experience.

Syphilis can cause hair loss in some infected people. But how does this happen?

Keep reading to find out.

If you think you’ve been exposed to Syphilis, book an STI test near you today.

What is Syphilis?

Syphilis, once thought to be banished to the mists of history by advances in medicine, has made a comeback in recent years. Once known as “the great imitator” for its ability to mimic other conditions, this STI can move seamlessly from person to person, often without the host knowing they have it.

The infection is caused by a bacterium called Treponema pallidum. These bacteria establish themselves in the body and hunker down over long periods of time, damaging vital organ systems in the process.

In 2022, the World Health Organisation estimated that, globally, around 8 million adults aged 15-49 got Syphilis.

How do you get Syphilis?

The most common way you can get Syphilis is through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person. This can occur through exchanging infected bodily fluids or contact with a chancre.

While less common, it’s also possible to get Syphilis through infected blood transfusions. Sharing needles for intravenous drug use can also transmit the bacteria.

Why does Syphilis cause hair loss?

Syphilis goes through several stages after you get the infection.

During the primary stage, a chancre (a small sore) appears at the original site of infection, usually the genitals, anus, or mouth. This chancre is often round, firm, and painless, and lasts for three to six weeks before going away on its own.

If left untreated, Syphilis progresses to its secondary phase, which arrives with a host of symptoms, including:

• Fever
• Nausea
• Chills
• Headaches
• Muscle aches
• Rashes
• Constant fatigue

At this stage, some people can experience hair loss. The condition is called alopecia syphilitica, and it affects 3-7% of people who get infected.

More research in this area is needed to determine the cause, but researchers believe that the hair loss occurs due to an immune response to the presence of the Syphilis bacteria in the body, thus disrupting the hair growth cycle.

Another theory posits that hair loss may occur due to a buildup of white blood cells (lymphocytes) during the immune response to the infection. This buildup then plugs the hair follicles.

What does Syphilis hair loss look like?

Syphilis can cause hair loss on the scalp and other parts of the body:

• Hair on the scalp may appear diffuse and evenly thin
• Body hair may appear patchy in an irregularly bordered pattern
• Both of the above

If I get treated, will my hair loss go away?

Any hair loss you experience because of a Syphilis infection will be temporary if the underlying infection is treated.

Syphilis is treated with antibiotics. If the treatment succeeds, you’ll likely experience normal hair regrowth within five weeks to three months.

If it’s not Syphilis, what else could cause hair loss?

Here are some other conditions that may be causing your sudden hair loss.

HIV treatment

While a direct connection between HIV infections hasn’t been clearly established, there is a fairly strong connection between alopecia and antiretroviral medications. Switching medications will likely lead to hair regrowth for most people who experience alopecia as a result of antiretroviral therapy.

Alopecia areata

Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, resulting in sudden, patchy hair loss—most often on the scalp or hair-bearing areas of the body. The condition can vary in severity, ranging from small bald patches to complete scalp hair loss or even total hair loss throughout the body.

Telogen effluvium

Telogen effluvium is a temporary hair loss condition in which many hair follicles prematurely enter the resting (telogen) phase due to physical or emotional stress, illness, hormonal changes, or nutritional deficiencies. It results in diffuse thinning across the scalp which becomes noticeable months after the triggering event. Telogen effluvium is generally reversible, with regrowth within three to six months once the cause is resolved.

Tinea capitis

Tinea capitis, or scalp ringworm, is a contagious fungal infection that affects the scalp and hair shafts, primarily in children and adults with weakened immune systems. It’s caused by fungi invading hair follicles, leading to symptoms like scaly, itchy patches, hair loss, and painful lesions.

Final thoughts

If you think you’ve been infected with Syphilis, you should get tested as soon as possible. Book an STI test near you by clicking on the button below.

Don’t leave your sexual health to chance.