Hair loss due to a bacterial infection - What now?
Table of contents
- Why can hair loss be caused by a bacterial infection?
- How does hair loss due to a bacterial infection manifest itself?
- Is hair loss always permanent?
- A hair transplant enables new hair growth
- Conclusion: Hair implantation helps with permanent hair loss
Why can hair loss be caused by a bacterial infection?
Hair loss caused by a bacterial infection is also known as alopecia parvimaculata. If the infection is accompanied by fever, the high body temperature of over 39 degrees Celsius can damage the hair follicles.
This is because the body is now primarily concerned with mobilizing its defenses. This, in turn, results in energy being drained from other areas of the body , including the hair follicles.
Since the hair follicles can no longer receive sufficient nutrients and oxygen during this time, they enter the so-called telogen phase, the resting phase . The bacterial infection severely disrupts hair growth, leading to hair loss a few months later.
Typical bacterial infections include shingles, scarlet fever, hepatitis, syphilis, Staphylococcus aureus , and typhoid. The flu can also cause hair loss.
How does hair loss due to a bacterial infection manifest itself?
The speed at which hair loss occurs after an infection can vary from person to person. The severity of the hair loss can also vary. However, hair loss typically affects the entire scalp .
Hair loss caused by a severely inflammatory bacterial infection is therefore classified as diffuse hair loss, as distinct from hereditary or circular hair loss (alopecia areata). The hair becomes thinner and sparser overall.
Often, severe itching also occurs, which can put additional strain on the hair follicles due to excessive scratching.
Is hair loss always permanent?
If you suspect your hair loss is due to a bacterial infection, you should consult a doctor immediately to confirm your suspicion. If your hair loss is indeed caused by an infection, you can usually breathe a sigh of relief.
Hair loss usually resolves itself once the disease is overcome and the cause is eliminated. However, patience is required, as it can take several months for hair growth to return to normal.
Special dietary supplements and vitamin preparations can support hair health without worrying about the side effects of medication. However, if your hair roots are deprived of vital nutrients and oxygen for too long, they can suffer irreversible damage.
The hair roots die and can no longer produce new hair. When this happens, hair loss is permanent. The bald patches on your scalp remain permanent. Vitamin supplements and dietary supplements are not effective in this case.
A hair transplant enables new hair growth
Most people affected by hair loss suffer greatly. Hair is a beauty feature that immediately catches the eye and contributes significantly to a person's appearance.
Due to hair loss, many sufferers also experience a loss of self-esteem. Especially since hair loss only occurs weeks or months after a bacterial infection, countermeasures often cannot be taken in a timely manner .
If you're suffering from hair loss after an infection, a hair transplant can help you finally regain a full head of hair . The Elithair team, led by Dr. Balwi, will be happy to advise you in detail on the topic of hair implantation.
With the latest methods and procedures, it is now possible to extract and transplant individual follicular units . The so-called FUE method allows for precise extraction , leaving virtually no visible scars. Furthermore, this method ensures a particularly aesthetic and natural end result . The treatment is completely painless, as the extraction is performed under local anesthesia with prior sedation.
After sufficient follicular units have been harvested from a donor area—usually located at the back of the head—they are processed in a laboratory. The follicular units are then reimplanted into the areas of your scalp affected by hair loss.
New hair growth begins after just a few weeks. The final results will be visible no later than one year after the hair transplant . Outsiders won't be able to tell that you've opted for a hair transplant.
Conclusion: Hair implantation helps with permanent hair loss
A bacterial infection such as scarlet fever, influenza, syphilis, or shingles can cause scalp hair loss. A bacterial infection can lead to hair loss because the body focuses entirely on its defense response and mobilizes all its energy reserves for this purpose.
As a result, areas the body considers nonessential—such as hair follicles— do not receive sufficient nutrients and oxygen during this time. This can lead to hair loss several weeks or months after the infection.
In the worst case, the hair roots can die, preventing new hair growth even after the disease has cleared. A hair transplant allows for new hair growth in the affected areas. You can receive detailed advice from the hair experts at Elithair during a non-binding consultation .
