Can an STD Cause Hair Loss?
Yes, in one specific case — secondary syphilis can cause a distinctive pattern of hair loss, sometimes called "moth-eaten alopecia" for its patchy, irregular appearance.
What syphilis-related hair loss looks like
Unlike more common causes of hair loss, which tend to follow a more uniform pattern (like male or female pattern baldness) or cause overall thinning, syphilis-related hair loss tends to be patchy and irregular — small, scattered areas of loss rather than one clear pattern. It typically appears during the secondary stage of syphilis, alongside other symptoms like the palm-and-sole rash and flu-like symptoms.
The reassuring part
This type of hair loss is generally reversible with syphilis treatment — once the underlying infection is treated, hair typically regrows. This is one more reason prompt syphilis treatment matters beyond preventing the more serious long-term complications of the infection itself.
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