Hair Loss from Lyme Disease: What’s the Connection?

Months or even years after an initial tick bite, it’s possible to develop complications from Lyme disease. One possible complication is hair loss, though more research is needed on this relationship.

Lyme disease is a condition caused when a tick bites someone and spreads a bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi. The bacterial infection may be treated with antibiotics, but it can cause complications when left untreated.

It’s estimated that about 300,000 people develop Lyme disease each year. In early stages, people who develop the bacterial infection that causes Lyme disease may experience a rash and flu-like symptoms.

Learn more about the connection between Lyme disease and hair loss, one possible complication that may develop much after the tick bite, and what you can do to help treat it.

Can Lyme disease cause your hair to fall out?

Lyme disease is considered the most common type of tick-borne disease in the United States. Treatment at its early stage, when symptoms first develop, may help prevent further complications.

Complications typically happen several months (or even years) after the initial tick bite.

However, early Lyme disease that doesn’t respond to treatment or is left untreated may lead to long-term symptoms. Systemic pain, such as muscle aches, joint pain, and headaches are possible.

Less is known about the incidence of hair loss in people with Lyme disease. Hair loss has numerous possible causes, ranging from heredity and age to hormonal imbalances and nutritional deficiencies.

Hair loss is also a possible symptom in people recovering from infections. This type of hair loss is known as anagen effluvium, and it occurs when either an internal or external factor prevents hair from growing.

It’s also most noticeable a few months after an illness. During this time, you might notice more hair in a brush or comb, on your pillow, or in the shower after washing your hair.

The same type of hair loss may occur after a pregnancy or an emotionally stressful event in your life. When excess hair loss stops, it can take 6 to 9 months to regrow.

What research shows

While more clinical research is needed to confirm a link between Lyme disease and hair loss, a few studies have noted such occurrences.

The first is a 2021 case report of an adult female who sought medical treatment after experiencing flu-like symptoms along with scalp crust and inflammation. Blood tests revealed Lyme disease.

Another case report from 2024 discusses another adult female who experienced hair loss 2 months after several tick bites. In this case, hair loss occurred at the site where one of the ticks bit her scalp. She did not report experiencing flu-like symptoms.

So far, researchers have theorized Lyme disease causing temporary hair loss may be due to an autoimmune-like response. Hair follicle damage is also possible from the tick bites leading to what’s known as tick-bite alopecia.

In the above case reports involving either Lyme disease or tick-bite alopecia, antibiotic treatments helped resolve symptoms. However, it’s important to know that it can still take several months for hair to regrow to its normal state.

What are the symptoms of Lyme disease?

There are several possible symptoms of Lyme disease, some of which also develop at different stages after the initial tick bite. It’s also possible to develop these symptoms without being aware a tick previously bit you.

The first set of symptoms may occur within 3 to 30 days following infection from a tick bite. During this early stage, you may experience:

• fever
• chills
• muscle aches
• joint pain
• fatigue
• headache
• swollen lymph nodes
• an erythema migrans rash, which may have a “bull’s-eye” or “target” shape, and can grow 12 inches wide

Several days, weeks, or months after the tick bite, you may experience a combination of the following symptoms:

• arthritis pain, particularly in large joints such as your knees
• more erythema migrans rashes
• severe headaches
• neck stiffness
• nerve pain, which may also cause numbness and tingling in your hands and feet
• muscle pain
• dizziness
• heart palpitations
• shortness of breath
• drooping muscles on one or both sides of your face (facial palsy)

When to get medical help

If you experience possible symptoms of Lyme , it’s important to seek medical help as soon as possible. This is especially true if you’ve experienced a known tick bite or if you live in or have traveled to a region where Lyme is more prevalent, such as the Northeast U.S.

Aside from the infection that causes the disease, it’s also important to speak with a doctor about possible complications. These include persistent aches and pains and excessive hair loss.

It’s normal to lose between 50 and 100 hairs per day. However, if you’re shedding large amounts or clumps of hair throughout the day, you may be exceeding this amount.

If you’re concerned about the amount of hair you’re losing, consider speaking with a dermatologist. This type of doctor specializes in treating hair and skin diseases and may be able to help determine the underlying cause of your hair loss.

How is Lyme disease treated?

Treatment for it consists of antibiotics. In early stages, you may be prescribed one of the following antibiotics for 10 to 14 days:

• amoxicillin
• cefuroxime axetil
• doxycycline

What is⁢ Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is an ‌infectious illness caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is typically transmitted to humans through the bite​ of infected black-legged ticks, commonly⁣ known as deer ticks. It often presents with‍ symptoms such as ⁣a rash in the shape of a ‍bull’s-eye, fever,⁢ headache, ⁢fatigue, and muscle and joint aches.

Can Lyme Disease Cause Hair Loss?

Yes, Lyme disease​ can potentially lead ⁢to hair loss. While hair ​loss is not among ​the most common⁢ symptoms of it, it can occur. This is often due to the body’s response to the infection or the stress and inflammation caused⁣ by it, which may affect hair growth cycles, leading​ to excessive shedding or​ thinning.

⁤ How Does Lyme Disease Cause Hair Loss?

Hair loss associated with Lyme disease can ⁢occur due to a combination of factors. These include the body’s immune ⁤response to the infection, ‍which can lead to inflammation that‍ disrupts normal⁣ hair growth cycles, and the physical and ⁤emotional stress related to dealing with a chronic illness. Additionally, some medications used ⁢in the treatment of‍ it may also impact ‌hair health.

Is Hair Loss from Lyme ‌Disease Permanent?

In most cases, hair loss ⁣resulting from Lyme⁢ disease is ⁢not permanent. Once the infection is adequately controlled and overall health begins to improve, hair usually regrows. However, recovery can take time, and ongoing stress or immune responses might⁣ continue to affect ⁤hair health.

What Are the Treatment Options for Hair Loss Related to Lyme Disease?

The primary approach to addressing hair loss ‍from Lyme disease involves treating the underlying infection ⁢with appropriate antibiotics. Once the it ‌is managed, hair growth ⁤often resumes naturally. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet, managing stress levels, and using hair care products designed to promote hair health may support regrowth.

How Can I Prevent​ Hair Loss if I Have Lyme Disease?

To prevent hair loss from it, it’s crucial ‌to ⁣address the infection promptly with appropriate medical treatment. Taking⁢ steps to manage stress, eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals essential for⁤ hair ‍health, and following a⁤ gentle hair care routine can help minimize hair loss. Consulting with​ healthcare professionals for personalized​ advice is also recommended.

Should I Consult a Doctor if I ‍Experience ‍Hair Loss During‍ Lyme Disease?

Yes, ​consulting a doctor⁣ is important if you experience⁣ hair loss alongside Lyme disease. A healthcare ​professional can determine ‌if the hair loss is related to it or other factors and suggest appropriate treatments ‌or lifestyle changes to support ⁢hair regrowth. Additionally,⁢ they can ensure that the it itself is being treated effectively.

Takeaway

Lyme disease is a common tick-borne illness. The infection can cause flu-like symptoms and a rash, which may resolve after antibiotic treatment.

Hair loss has also been a reported symptom both anecdotally and in clinical case reports. This may be caused by temporary hair follicle damage from the infection, or from the tick bite itself.

If you have confirmed or suspected Lyme disease and you’re experiencing hair loss, consider seeing a doctor regarding the next steps.