A pharmacist has issued a warning that patchy hair loss on the scalp, beard, or eyebrows could be a sign of syphilis, a serious but treatable sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Syphilitic alopecia (SA), a rare symptom of secondary syphilis, can closely resemble other forms of hair loss, making it difficult to identify without medical testing. Abbas Kanani, superintendent pharmacist at Chemist Click, explained that the condition causes non-scarring hair loss and is often mistaken for more common disorders like alopecia areata, trichotillomania, or telogen effluvium.
“It can appear in three main patterns—moth-eaten, diffuse, and mixed,” Kanani said. “These affect the scalp and other hair-covered areas of the body.”
Moth-eaten alopecia presents as scattered, patchy hair loss that looks similar to fabric damaged by moths. Diffuse alopecia causes a more uniform thinning across the entire scalp, while mixed alopecia involves a combination of different hair loss types.
Though rare, SA can be a sign of a more serious underlying issue. If syphilis is left untreated, it can lead to long-term health complications, including damage to the heart and nervous system.
The exact cause of syphilitic alopecia is not fully understood, but Kanani said the body’s immune response to Treponema pallidum—the bacterium that causes syphilis—may play a role. This response may lead to hair follicle disruption, loss of terminal hairs, and breakage that leaves follicles empty.
STIs are often associated with symptoms like rashes, discharge, or sores. However, Kanani warns that hair loss may be an overlooked indicator. Because it can be mistaken for stress or aging, anyone noticing unusual or sudden hair loss should consult a healthcare professional for evaluation.
Early detection and treatment of syphilis are essential. Blood tests can confirm the diagnosis, and antibiotics—typically penicillin—are effective in clearing the infection.
