What should you know about HIV and hair loss?

Hair may thin gradually, shed more than usual, or fall out in clearly defined patches. Fever, significant illness, emotional strain, weight change and nutritional problems can shift more hairs into a shedding phase. Some people also develop a separate condition such as alopecia areata, pattern hair loss, scalp ringworm or traction alopecia.

Do not stop HIV treatment because of shedding. The timing of hair loss, recent illnesses, medicine changes, scalp symptoms and the pattern of thinning help a clinician distinguish possible causes.

Arrange a review with the clinician managing your HIV or a dermatologist. Bring a medicine and supplement list, note when shedding began, and photograph changing patches if useful. Use gentle washing, avoid tight hairstyles and limit repeated chemical or heat treatments while the cause is being assessed.

A clinician may examine the scalp and hair pattern and check for inflammation or infection. Treatment depends on the diagnosis; options can include addressing an underlying illness, correcting a deficiency, or targeted therapy for a specific hair disorder.

Seek prompt medical advice for sudden patchy loss, scalp pain, pus, heavy scaling, broken hairs, scarring, or hair loss with fever or other new symptoms. Urgent review is also sensible when shedding starts soon after a medicine change, because the prescriber may need to check the treatment plan.

Does the pattern suggest shedding, alopecia areata, infection or pattern hair loss? Could a recent illness, medicine or nutritional issue contribute? Should my HIV treatment be adjusted? Which hair products and treatments are safe while the scalp is being examined?