Rapidly progressive hair loss may be the only sign of syphilis

A previously healthy 20-year-old woman was referred to our dermatology clinic with a 1-month history of progressive cranial hair loss. She had been treated with topical steroids but with little effect. Clinical examination found diffuse non-scarring hair loss in the frontal, parietal, and temporal regions, with no erythematous background (Figure A). In addition, a trichoscopic examination revealed a small number of yellow dots and villus hairs. Exclamation mark hairs were not observed. There were no other skin, mucosal, or nail symptoms.
Source: The American Journal of Medicine - Category: General Medicine Authors: Tags: Clinical Communication to the Editor Source Type: research