Question:
I am wondering whether anyone has exprerienced localized hair loss on their head, specifically alopecia areata as a result of contracting HSV1 or 2 and/or as a result of Valtrex and supplements?

I contracted genital HSV2 about 8 months ago. I was part of the small 15% of those infected who did not have any HSV antibodies prior to infection, so my first outbreak was an incredible shock to my immune system as there was nothing to fight against it. I have subsequently developed HSV antibodies, but about 2 months after initial infection, I noticed a quarter-size round bald spot on my head...now diagnosed as alopecia areata ( yes, in addition to worrying about having outbreaks, now I have to attend to bald spots which can randomly appear at any time and may not go away :( ). I have never had this before and feel that the presence of the two, one after the other, is more than coincidence.

Dermatologists have said there is no connection between HSV and Alopecia; however, with alopecia areata, immune system cells mistakenly attack cells in the hair follicles in localized areas. Scientists suspect some people may be genetically predisposed to the disease and that perhaps a virus could trigger it. Has anyone else experienced this?

Answer:
I haven't had that myself but raised a step child who experienced alopecia from stress. The poor thing lost a lot of hair at her crown but it did grow back in time.

I myself had an extremely stressful couple of months in 2005 and I lost hair as well but it was not like alopecia it simply started breaking off. Fortunately I have plenty to spare.

I recommend that you try to develop a health regime that is directed at reducing your stress. Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin C and D for starters. Immune system reactions can hit us all in different ways this may be how it is affecting you.

Answer:
Are you currently taking any medication for your HSV?

Both Valtrex and Zovirax (Acyclovir) have alopecia "hair loss" listed as possible side-effects in their literature.

You can download the PDF Safety Information sheets on both of these at:

Answer:
While baldness is a pain the rear it is hardly the worst thing that could happen from HSV. Most men are going to have some loss of hair whether or not they have HSV anyway.

My hair started vanishing long before HSV showed up. It runs in the family and there isn't anything I can do about it. No, I don't wear a toupee and I don't have any intention of getting transplants.

Anyone with HSV needs to focus more on staying free of outbreaks, keeping healthy in general, and maintaining a steady relationship. Obviously, some of those are harder than others.

Answer:
If you have been taking antiviral meds, it is a very common side effect.

Answer:
Mothers side of the family losses hair from the front to the back,Fathers just the oppasite,just started Valtrex 05/30/07....I ain't got much left to lose,might as well shave my head LOL.

Answer:
personally I think it looks better to go for the all over shaved look as opposed to some crazy comb over stuff that screams "hasn't got a clue".

Answer:
personally I think it looks better to go for the all over shaved look as opposed to some crazy comb over stuff that screams "hasn't got a clue". I kmow what ya meen,I had a principal in high school that had hair on one side of his head that was like a foot long....and flipped it over and it just looked worse.

Answer:
i have a very good friend who ended up with alopecia from the stress of losing her husband to a very sudden unexpected death. stress can and does do mean things to our bodies.