Several factors can lead to hair loss. Medical conditions like autoimmune diseases, hormonal changes such as pregnancy and menopause, family hereditary, and history of baldness are some of the underlying causes of hair loss. But, do you know that some hair loss could be a sign of Sexually Transmitted Diseases?

 

Sure, contracting STDs would be shaming, especially amongst youth. And worse, some STDs may not show signs or symptoms. Meaning most would only know they are infected after STD testing. However, it would be best if you regularly visit hospitals for testing. Since some STDs cause hair loss, and early detection would mean early treatment before hair loss.

 

Before we discuss the relationship between STDs and hair loss, let’s find out what these infections entail;

What are STDs?

Sexually Transmitted Diseases are infections primarily passed from one person to another through sexual contact, vaginal, anal, or oral sex. They are also known as sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). These infections are common more so among youths and sexually active individuals.

 

But again, some STDs are non-sexual. However, when you don’t test and treat them in time, STDs can cause some severe health problems- all of which we will discuss later. The good news is that most STDs are easy to treat.

 

Here are the examples of common STDs at a glance:

  • Syphilis
  • Gonorrhea
  • Chlamydia
  • Genital herpes
  • HIV
  • Trichomoniasis (Trich)
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV)

 

Other less common ones include:

 

Scabies, chancroid, and granuloma inguinale, among others.

 

Most of the STDs mentioned above are transmitted through unprotected sexual contact. But there are also others like chlamydia, herpes, and hepatitis, which are non-sexual.

 

If they aren’t sexually transmitted then how are they transmitted?

Ways you can get STDs without having sex

 

STDs via contaminated food

 

There is some simple everyday hygiene most people don't like doing, but they can impact your life in several ways. Take, for example, washing hands. Can you imagine getting an STD through contaminated food because somebody didn’t take the initiative of washing their hands?

 

Now, here’s how washing your hands relate to some STDs.

 

You can get some STDs like hepatitis A (HAV) through contaminated foods, mainly when someone infected uses a restroom. Still, they don't clean/wash their hands.

 

If it happens that they touch your food, you’ll probably be infected. This is because Hepatitis A is transmitted through ingestion of fecal elements. Therefore, make it a habit of washing your hands after visiting a restroom. You never know, and you be risking someone’s life.

 

STDs via blood transfusion

 

Unscreened blood transfusion can lead do STDs spread. Among the transfusion-transmitted infections are HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV), and C virus (HCV). Getting a blood transfusion from a person living with HIV, your chances of contracting the virus would be extremely high.

 

Luckily, critical improvements and interventions have been put in place to screen donors before the transfusion. This reduces your exposure and chances of contracting HIV.

 

STDs through touch bases

 

Over time, skin-to-skin contact has seemed harmless. But not anymore. STDs like Herpes or HPV need that contact for transmission. Also, Trichomoniasis can be spread through contacts. For example, getting in touch with any sex toy use by an infected person can lead to such mentioned diseases. Therefore, you must be careful of hand to genital contacts or handling unwashed sex toys.

 

As mentioned earlier in the introduction, some sexually transmitted infections have hair loss as their signs. Meaning you should never assume any hair loss. Of course, there are several reasons associated with the loss of hair.

 

However, before discussing STDs' relationship with hair loss, let’s take a step back and know a few things about hair loss.

Here are a few things you need to know about hair loss

 

Understanding hair loss

 

You have to agree that anybody can lose some hair, and not all hair loss should raise concerns. There are some common situations of hair loss like;

  • Hair loss without scarring of the scalp/loss of hair follicles
  • Hair loss due to breakage of hair shaft/physical destruction of hair
  • There could be hair loss due to decreased hair growth
  • Common balding due to the effect of testosterone metabolites

 

What causes hair loss?

 

The most common cause is hereditary. For instance, if you have a family history of baldness, your chances of hair loss would be high. Besides, there are certain sex hormones like Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that can trigger hereditary hair loss. Meaning if your hair loss falls under genetic causes, it may start as early as in the puberty stage.

 

Besides, hormonal changes can also cause temporary hair loss like in cases of; childbirth, pregnancy, menopause, and maybe discontinuing usage of birth control pills.

 

Secondly, some halts on the hair growth cycle like illness or traumatic events can result in hair loss. The good news for such a situation, the hair could grow with treatment and time.

 

Also, medical conditions such as thyroid disease, ringworm, and autoimmune diseases like alopecia areata can cause hair loss. Besides, scarring-causing diseases like lichen planus can lead to permanent hair loss.

 

Apart from the physical or emotional shock that can trigger hair loss. Hair loss can also result from medication used to treat conditions like cancer, high blood pressure, depression, or heart problems. In contrast, other hair loss could be the results of some STDs

What is the relationship between STDs and hair loss?

There are several STDs with different signs and symptoms, and of them are a few that would halt or affect the growth of your hair if you are infected.

 

In some patients with STD, like syphilis and HIV, alopecia can provide clues to diagnosis. Meaning it can be an essential associated finding to realize the presence of an STD.

 

Therefore, hair loss may be associated with STDs like

  • HIV
  • Syphilis
  • Genital Herpes
  • Chlamydia

 

HIV infections

 

What is HIV?

 

HIV- stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, a virus that affects and attacks the cells that help the body fight infections.

 

The virus damages the immune system and makes a person vulnerable to infections and other diseases. In other terms, it raises your chances of contracting other bacteria or viruses or developing specific health effects.

 

HIV is spread through contacts of certain body fluids of persons living with HIV, which in most cases are during unprotected sex or shared unsterilized injection drug equipment.

 

In its early stages, you can easily mistake HIV for flu. However, if HIV is left untreated, it can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).

 

It’s better to know that your body can’t get rid of the virus once you’re infected, and there hasn't been a cure yet. The good thing is that there are drugs (antiretroviral, ARVs) used to help boost your immune or help your body fight diseases. ARVs work by blocking several stages of the HIV life cycle.

 

How do you know you have HIV

 

Sure, the only way to find out your HIV status is by going for HIV testing. Of course, it is a relatively simple process that won't take much of your time.

 

You can visit any health care that offers test and screening services. Still, HIV self-testing is an option you can explore. You can buy a home testing kit as it allows you to take your private test if that what you prefer.

 

Better still, you can know you have HIV from the signs and symptoms you display. However, please confirm them by testing. Again, you have to keen because early signs could resemble flu.

 

Early symptoms may include;

  • Fever
  • Pains and aches
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Sore throat
  • Fever
  • Rashes and chills
  • Headache and nausea

 

So, does HIV cause or relate to hair loss?

 

Hair loss was a common symptom and side effect of HIV medications like AZT and Atripla. However, with the introduction of modern HIV treatment and antiretroviral therapy, hair loss is no longer a sign of HIV. Besides, people receiving HIV-required treatments are leading a healthy life.

 

However, some medical conditions may trigger excessive hair loss, especially in those living with HIV. Such conditions may include iron deficiency or anemia, which is predominantly characterized by low blood iron stores.

 

Of course, people with HIV may experience thinning of the hair. However, it's very natural, especially for aging, and it can happen for other reasons than HIV.

 

Conditions like alopecia that accompanies immune diseases may allow an opportunity to strive in an HIV-infected person, resulting in extreme hair loss.

 

Another condition that affects individuals living with HIV and can relate to hair loss is thyroid dysfunction. Any abnormal level of thyroid hormones would trigger hair loss.

 

Another condition that relates HIV to hair loss is:

 

Halogen Effluvium

 

Halogen effluvium is a temporary hair loss that may occur after traumatizing events. How would you react if you find out you’re HIV positive?

 

Of course, you may be strong, but you’ll have to experience some stressful moments. And chances are high you may lose hair during such moments.

 

Also, halogen refers to the hair that isn’t growing or hair at its resting state. So in the process that hair starts growing, the new hair would shed off the resting hair resulting in hair loss.

 

Syphilis and hair loss

 

Syphilis is one of the STDs that can cause severe impacts if not treated in time.

 

It’s a bacterial infection that may go unnoticed in its early stages. Besides, syphilis has different stages; primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary, all of which display different signs.

 

Syphilis later symptoms include:

  • Rash
  • Fever
  • Hair loss
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Joint pain and headache

 

If syphilis isn't treated, its late-stage may be damaging and can lead to:

  • Loss of vision and hearing
  • Mental illness and memory loss
  • Infections of the brain or the spinal cord
  • Heart disease and death

 

Who as risk of getting syphilis

 

Like other STDs, any sexually active person could get infected with syphilis if they practice unprotected sex. Whether anal, vaginal, or oral.

 

Also, pregnant mothers should ensure they get STD testing, especially at their prenatal visit. Should they be positive, they could get treated before mothers infect their children at birth.

 

Similarly to all who have several partners are at high risks of getting STDs

 

The earlier you diagnose and treat, the minor damage it will cause you. Therefore, make regular STD testing.

 

How do you know you’re losing hair due to syphilis?

 

STDs like HIV, chlamydia, and herpes all have treatments that can cause temporary hair loss. However, syphilis is the only STI among the STDs that cause hair loss capable of hair loss as its direct symptom. These signs always occur at the second stage of syphilis infection and are often treated with antibiotics.

 

Put simply, other STDs are not known to cause hair loss directly. But only syphilis for the direct signs. Better still, syphilis is caused by the bacteria treponema pallidum. It may result in painlessness in the areas of infections, and they can be treated with antibiotics.

 

So, if the primary signs are not noticed, the signs of syphilis would progress into more noticeable signs and symptoms like swollen lymph nodes, reddish rashes, and hair loss. All these signs are enough to let you know you're infected. But, first, you must go for STD testing.

 

Can your hair loss due to syphilis be treated?

 

When you're diagnosed with syphilis at the secondary stage, you stand a chance of treatment. Even if you may have lost hair, they will still grow. That is when your immune system has returned to its best performance. However, that may not be the case in all situations. Sometimes your hair would only grow when you have shed off the previous hair.

 

Genital herpes

 

Genital herpes is a highly contagious sexually transmitted infection that causes herpetic sores, painful blisters,/fluid-filled bumps that can break oozing out the fluid.

 

In most cases, people with genital herpes would not realize they are infected; why? The infection doesn't display any signs or symptoms, and if it does, then it might be mild that goes unnoticed.

 

Causes of genital herpes

 

This STI is caused by a herpes simplex virus (HSV) which are of two types.

 

HSV-1, which causes oral herpes responsible for cold sores, passed through the mouth-to-mouth kissing during oral sex.

 

HSV-2 that causes genital herpes

 

Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be found in a person's body fluids such as:

  • Saliva
  • Semen
  • Vaginal secretions

 

Once the viruses get insides your body, they will incorporate into your cells and finds a dwelling in your pelvis cells. Treating them could be challenging as they quickly multiply and adapt to their surroundings.

 

Signs and symptoms of genital herpes

  • Small red bumps or blisters in the genital and anal areas
  • Pain and itching around the genitals, buttocks, and thighs.

 

During the early stages, you may experience flu-like symptoms such as:

 

Muscles aches

  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the groin

 

Symptoms for babies born with herpes contracted via vaginal delivery include ulcers on the face, genitals, and body. And the babies can develop severe complications such as:

  • Brain damage
  • Blindness
  • Death

 

So, is genital herpes amongst the STDs that cause hair loss?

 

As of now, there is still no cure for genital herpes. However, some medications help control the spread or lower the chances of passing the virus to your sexual partner. It also can help relieve pain in infected persons.

 

You can take the medications at the earlier stages o signs of the outbreak for adequate control. The drugs used for controlling herpes are acyclovir (Zovirax), which has hair loss as a skin reaction and its side effects.

 

Therefore, the relationship between genital herpes and hair loss can be defined along with the usage of medications taken to control the outbreak. However, hair loss is not a direct sign and symptom of genital herpes.

 

Being an antiviral drug, health care providers can also prescribe acyclovir for individuals living with HIV to help treat viral infections by lowering the virus's ability to multiply in your body. Besides, it helps treat and prevent herpes of the skin, eye, and mouth; some of the infections come with HIV infection.

 

Lastly, acyclovir can also be used to treat leukoplakia. This HIV-related condition results in white patches on the tongue and hair loss.

 

Chlamydia

 

This is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria. It mainly affects women. However, it can occur in both men and women.

 

It can hardly know you have chlamydia. Why? Because many people don’t show signs or symptoms. It can easily be treated; however, it would lead to severe health complications if left untreated.

 

Signs and symptoms of chlamydia include

 

In female

  • Vaginal discharge
  • Rectal pain
  • Bleeding after sex and between periods
  • Painful  or frequent urination

 

In male

  • Penal discharge
  • Testicular pain
  • Rectal pain
  • Tenderness, or swelling in.

 

Chlamydia treatment

 

You should make it a routine to go for regular chlamydia testing, especially when you have multiple sex partners. If you're diagnosed with chlamydia, you must seek faster medication to prevent it.

 

Your doctor may prescribe you the following antibiotics:

  • Azithromycin- 1-gram for a dose
  • Doxycycline- 100 milligrams-
  • Ofloxacin – 300-400 milligrams

 

Doxycycline can sometimes trigger skin rash when you spend time in the sun. However, the side effects will be mild ones. For any severe consequences, contact your health care provider.

 

So, how does chlamydia relates to hair loss?

 

From the signs and symptoms, it’s obvious that hair loss is not amongst them. In other words, chlamydia is not known to cause hair loss. However, a common medication for chlamydia-azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic.  This antibiotic kills bacteria that cause the condition, depleting your hemoglobin and vitamin, B-usually resulting in hair loss

What are the risk factors for the STDs that cause hair loss?

Factors that would increase your risks of sexually transmitted infections may include:

  • Having multiple sexual partners
  • Engaging in unprotected sex/inconsistent use of condoms
  • History of sexually transmitted infections
  • Being sexually active

So, what can you do to prevent the spread of STDs?

Sex is awesome- but not the sexually transmitted infections. Therefore, you must ensure:

 

You always use protection anytime you are having sex. But the best way would be to abstain, a decision that most people avoid.

 

You must also avoid sharing towels, underclothing, and drug injection equipment, among other ways.

Conclusion

Several sexually transmitted infections come with different signs and symptoms. However, syphilis, genital herpes, HIV, and chlamydia are among the STDs that cause hair loss or have relating features and conditions to hair loss. Of course, if these STDs are left untreated, they would lead to some severe diseases.

 

Therefore, if you have several sex partners or aren't using protection during your sexual contacts, you're increasing your chances of getting such STDs, among others. Besides, you must ensure you regularly go for STD testing for early detection of any STD. Early detection would mean faster treatment, thus managed hair loss and other symptoms.

 

 

Contributor: admin