Dermatoscopic Findings of Syphilitic Alopecia

July 2020 in “ Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia ”

Izabella Cristina Cardozo Bomfim, Mayra Ianhez, Hélio Amante Miot

syphilitic alopecia secondary syphilis moth-eaten alopecia empty hair follicles vellus hair erythematous background benzathine penicillin dermoscopy serological syphilis screening scalp histopathology SA penicillin

TLDR Dermoscopy helps diagnose syphilitic alopecia, and treatment with penicillin can regrow hair.

The document detailed a single case report of syphilitic alopecia (SA) in a 29-year-old HIV-positive man, who showed typical secondary syphilis symptoms and moth-eaten alopecia. Dermoscopic examination identified characteristics of SA such as empty hair follicles, vellus hair, and other specific features, with an unusually pronounced erythematous background. The patient's hair regrowth was successful after treatment with benzathine penicillin. The case underscored the value of dermoscopy for diagnosing SA, the need for serological syphilis screening, and scalp histopathology in diagnosis when the cause of capillary loss is unclear.

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