Understanding the Relationship Between Syphilis and Hair Loss

Most people have about 100,000 hairs on their scalp and naturally shed around 100 per day. Hair loss affects people of all sexes, and as we age, changes in testosterone can alter hair texture and thickness for everyone.^[1]

If you're noticing thinning, bald patches, or other changes in your hair, here are the most common causes to consider. A healthcare provider can help you determine what's behind your specific situation.

Genetics

Pattern baldness—often called male pattern baldness—can affect anyone, regardless of sex. It can begin any time after puberty, and about 80% of men show at least some signs of pattern baldness by age 70.^[1]

Stress

Physical and emotional stress can trigger a type of hair loss called telogen effluvium, which may cause up to three-quarters of scalp hair to shed.^[1] You may notice more hair coming out when brushing, combing, or washing. It's often temporary, but can become chronic.

Stress-related triggers include high fevers, severe infections, childbirth, pregnancy, menopause, intense emotional stress, restrictive dieting, and certain medications.

Other causes

According to experts from the University of Pennsylvania, other causes of hair loss include:^[1]

• Alopecia areata
• Anemia
• Autoimmune conditions (e.g., lupus)
• Burns
• Certain infectious diseases, such as syphilis
• Excessive shampooing or heat styling
• Hormonal changes
• Thyroid disease
• Nervous habits, such as hair pulling or scalp rubbing
• Radiation therapy
• Tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp)
• Tumors of the ovary or adrenal glands
• Hairstyles that put excessive tension on hair follicles
• Bacterial infections of the scalp

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can cause serious health problems if left untreated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The infection develops in stages (primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary), with each stage having different signs and symptoms.[2]

Syphilis is either spread through direct contact with a syphilitic sore during vaginal, anal, or oral sex or from a pregnant person to their offspring.

It is also curable. As noted above, syphilis infections have stages. During the first stage, you may notice one or more sores near or on the penis, vagina, anus, rectum, lips, or mouth. These sores often go away, but treatment must still be pursued to prevent progression to secondary-stage infection.

The second stage of syphilis infection is often when hair loss is often noted – this is sometimes referred to as syphilitic alopecia.

To treat syphilitic hair loss, the syphilis infection must be treated as the underlying cause. As soon as the diagnosis of syphilis is established, antibiotic treatment with either penicillin or doxycycline is started. The hair should then grow back within 3 to 6 months.[3]

It is recommended that people who are sexually active get screened for sexually transmitted infections regularly (depending on the person). To test for syphilis, the CDC explains that most of the time, healthcare providers will use a blood test. Some will diagnose by testing fluid from a syphilis sore.[2]

You can also test at home with Everlywell’s at-home Syphilis Test. The test includes everything you need to collect a blood sample and send it to a lab for testing.

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Gillian Singer, MPH is a sexuality educator and public health professional, aiming to educate and use compassion and empathy to foster positive change and development. Professional interests include sexuality education, curriculum design and consulting, and sex technology.