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Syphilitic Alopecia
Overview
Syphilitic alopecia is a hair loss condition that can occur in people who have secondary syphilis. It is caused by the Treponema pallidum bacterium, which is responsible for causing syphilis. In addition to patchy hair loss, thinning hair, and bald patches, symptoms of secondary syphilis may include fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, and headaches. The diagnosis of syphilitic alopecia can be suspected based on a person’s symptoms and history of exposure to the treponema pallidum bacterium and is confirmed with blood tests (serology). Treatment for syphilitic alopecia usually involves antibiotics to kill the bacteria that cause syphilis. In some cases, surgery may also be required to remove any scarring that has occurred as a result of the inflammatory hair loss. The prognosis for syphilitic alopecia is generally good with treatment. However, if left untreated, syphilis can lead to serious complications, including brain damage and death.
Causes
Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum and is transmitted through sexual contact or contact with infected bodily fluids. Syphilitic alopecia occurs when the bacteria invade the hair follicles and cause inflammation. The inflammation leads to patchy hair loss, thinning hair, and eventually baldness.
Symptoms
Primary syphilis typically presents with a painless ulcer, often in the genitals. This ulcer typically heals and the treponema pallidum bacteria reside in the bloodstream. Rashes can subsequently develop on the hands, feet, and scalp. In addition to patchy hair loss and rash, symptoms of secondary syphilis may include fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, and headaches.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of syphilitic alopecia can be suspected based on a person’s symptoms and history of exposure to the treponema pallidum bacterium. The diagnosis is confirmed with blood tests (serology) that look for antibodies to the bacterium.
Treatment
Early diagnosis and treatment of syphilis is therefore essential to preventing serious health complications. Treatment for syphilitic alopecia usually involves antibiotics to kill the bacteria that cause syphilis. In some cases, surgery may also be required to remove any scarring that has occurred as a result of the inflammatory hair loss. Hair transplantation can be performed on scarred patches of alopecia.
Prognosis
The prognosis for syphilitic alopecia is generally good with treatment. However, if left untreated, syphilis can lead to serious complications, including brain damage and death. Early diagnosis and treatment of syphilis is therefore essential to preventing serious health complications.
References:
-https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/syphilitic-alopecia