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Please Note: Due to volume considerations, not all questions can be answered. Questions most likely to be answered will be those of general interest to a broad group of visitors to this forum. Questions pertaining to a specific case; requests for diagnosis, medical advice, or second opinion; or requests for opinions about untested alternative therapies will generally not be answered.

Ask the Experts about Women and HIV

 

Hair loss
Oct 6, 2002

Hi Dr.Judith, Does HIV itself cause hair loss? Thank you.

Response from Dr. Aberg

Hair loss is not associated with HIV itself. HIV is associated with several skin manifestations but not hair loss per se. Usually one notes dryness of the skin and this may affect the scalp. Also HIV may have an effect on the endocrine system, in particular thyroid disease and sex hormones may be altered but hair loss is not usually the predominant manifestation of those conditions. The way hair loss and HIV are more commonly related is due to medication side effects. Some of the HIV medications may cause hair loss. I hope this helps.



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