Syphilitic alopecia (Q98416): Difference between revisions

Secondary syphilis may result in a “moth-eaten” alopecia of the scalp, resembling a rather diffuse and patchy alopecia areata; other body areas, especially the eyebrows and beard, may be affected. Less commonly, diffuse hair loss occurs in the absence of other cutaneous signs of syphilis and resembling the diffuse hair loss of telogen effluvium (essential syphilitic alopecia). Syphilitic alopecia is non-scarring except in the rare nodulo-ulcerative form of secondary syphilis known as lues maligna: this is a necrotizing vasculitis which can result in permanent hair follicle destruction in the scalp and other areas of the body.