Can STDs Cause Hair Loss? Surprising Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

When people think about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), they usually associate them with symptoms like sores, itching, or unusual discharge. However, hair loss can also be a surprising sign of certain STDs, particularly syphilis and HIV.

Although rare, some STDs trigger inflammation, immune dysfunction, and hormonal imbalances that can weaken hair follicles, leading to patchy baldness or excessive shedding. Recognizing this unusual symptom can be crucial for early diagnosis and treatment.

This article explores the link between STDs and hair loss, the medical conditions behind it, and why getting tested is essential if you experience unexplained hair thinning.

How Can STDs Cause Hair Loss?

Hair loss related to STDs is often caused by chronic inflammation, immune system activation, or direct damage to hair follicles.

✔ Secondary syphilis is known to cause patchy hair loss (alopecia) in some cases.
✔ HIV-related inflammation can disrupt nutrient absorption and hair follicle function.
✔ Long-term untreated infections can lead to hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, and stress-related hair shedding.

While hair loss alone is not a common symptom of most STDs, it should not be ignored—especially if you have other unexplained health issues.

1. Syphilis and Patchy Hair Loss (Syphilitic Alopecia)

How Syphilis Causes Hair Loss

• Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum that progresses in stages.

• During secondary syphilis (weeks to months after the initial infection), some individuals develop “moth-eaten” hair loss, where bald spots appear on the scalp.

• The hair loss is non-scarring, meaning it can regrow with proper treatment.

Additional Symptoms of Secondary Syphilis:

• A rash on the palms and soles of the feet.

• Flu-like symptoms (fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat).

• White patches or ulcers inside the mouth.

Case Study: Marek, 32 Years Old

Marek, a 32-year-old man, noticed patchy hair loss over a few months. At first, he assumed it was due to stress or genetics. However, after also experiencing fatigue and skin rashes, he decided to visit a doctor.

A routine STD screening revealed that he had syphilis, which had gone undiagnosed. After receiving antibiotic treatment (penicillin), his symptoms—including hair loss—gradually improved.

What to Do If You Experience Hair Loss with Other Syphilis Symptoms?

✔ Get tested for syphilis immediately.
✔ Look for other symptoms like skin rashes or swollen glands.
✔ Start antibiotic treatment as soon as possible.

For more details on syphilis symptoms and treatment, visit the CDC’s syphilis fact sheet.

2. HIV and Hair Thinning Due to Chronic Inflammation

How HIV Affects Hair Growth

• HIV weakens the immune system, leading to widespread inflammation that can impact hair follicle health.

• Chronic HIV infection can cause:

  • Telogen effluvium (stress-related hair shedding).

  • Nutrient deficiencies (zinc, iron, and vitamin D, which support hair growth).

  • Seborrheic dermatitis, a scalp condition that can contribute to hair loss.

Does HIV Medication Cause Hair Loss?

Some older HIV medications, like AZT (zidovudine), have been linked to temporary hair thinning. However, modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) rarely causes significant hair loss.

Key Takeaway:

If you experience progressive hair thinning, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or chronic fatigue, consider getting an HIV test to rule out underlying causes.

For more information, visit the CDC’s HIV Symptoms Guide.

3. Other STDs That May Cause Hair Loss

✔ HPV (Human Papillomavirus) – While HPV does not directly cause hair loss, immune suppression linked to severe HPV infections can impact skin and scalp health.

✔ Hepatitis B & C – Chronic liver infections can lead to hormonal imbalances, poor nutrient absorption, and stress-related hair shedding.

✔ Severe Gonorrhea or Chlamydia Infections – If left untreated, these bacterial infections can cause long-term inflammation that affects the body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients needed for hair growth.

When Should You Get Tested for an STD?

If you’re experiencing unexplained hair loss, consider STD testing, especially if you have additional symptoms.

Signs That You Should Get Tested:

✔ Patchy, sudden hair loss along with skin rashes or flu-like symptoms.
✔ Thinning hair combined with chronic fatigue or night sweats.
✔ Unexplained weight loss or prolonged immune system issues.
✔ A history of unprotected sex or multiple sexual partners.

Recommended STD Tests for Hair Loss Symptoms:

• Comprehensive 10-Test STD Panel – Detects syphilis, HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and more.

• Syphilis-Specific Testing – Essential for early detection of syphilis-related hair loss.

• HIV Screening – Early HIV diagnosis can prevent further immune damage.

For fast, confidential STD testing, visit STDCheck, our trusted partner.

Conclusion

While hair loss is not the most common symptom of STDs, syphilis and HIV can cause significant hair thinning or patchy bald spots due to inflammation, immune dysfunction, and nutrient deficiencies.

Key Takeaways:

• Syphilis can cause patchy “moth-eaten” hair loss in the secondary stage.

• HIV-related hair loss is linked to chronic inflammation and nutrient deficiencies.

• Untreated STDs can lead to long-term damage to hair follicles and overall health.

• If you notice unexplained hair loss, along with other symptoms, get tested.