Moth-Eaten Alopecia And Beyond: Syphilitic Alopecia - Revisited
July 2024
in “
Indian Journal of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and AIDS
”
Studysummary In this study, a 38-year-old male with syphilis-related mixed pattern alopecia showed marked hair regrowth and resolution of postauricular lymphadenopathy after treatment with benzathine penicillin, suggesting that lymph node and hair examinations, along with trichoscopy, can aid in the diagnosis of alopecia syphilitica.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
This case study of a 38-year-old man with syphilitic alopecia (SA) underscores the condition's potential to be misdiagnosed due to its similarity to other alopecia types. The patient exhibited patchy hair loss and lymphadenopathy after unprotected sexual contact. Diagnosis was confirmed through clinical and laboratory tests, and treatment with benzathine penicillin resulted in significant hair regrowth and symptom resolution. The study highlights the necessity of thorough hair and lymph node examinations and the use of trichoscopy for accurate diagnosis. SA is reversible with appropriate treatment, typically resolving within 3 months.
