In the wake of the global pandemic, many health concerns have come to the forefront, with hair loss emerging as an unexpectedly common aftermath of COVID-19. Amid the tumultuous journey of recovering from the virus, many individuals have been confounded by the distressing experience of hair shedding.
This condition has sparked widespread discussion and concern, leading to a surge in consultations with dermatologists. While the coronavirus itself is a known stressor with direct physiological impacts, its role as a catalyst for hair loss is a complex issue that merits closer examination.
This article seeks to unravel the scientific underpinnings of how COVID-19 may influence hair health and what that means for the millions experiencing this unsettling side effect.
To grasp the connection between COVID-19 and hair loss, it’s crucial to first understand the normal cycle of hair growth and shedding. This cycle comprises three key phases:
Anagen (Growth Phase):
Catagen (Transitional Phase):
Telogen (Resting Phase):
Under normal circumstances, most hair is in the anagen phase, ensuring continuous growth. However, various factors can disrupt this cycle, leading to hair loss conditions such as:
Stress, both physical and emotional, along with illnesses, hormonal imbalances, and nutritional deficiencies, can propel hair follicles into the resting phase prematurely, leading to hair loss.
When considering COVID-19’s role in hair loss, the spotlight turns to telogen effluvium, a form of hair shedding often triggered by a stressful event or illness — categories into which a COVID-19 infection aptly fits.
As the body channels its resources to fight off the virus, hair growth may take a backseat, resulting in more hairs entering the resting phase. The shock to the system caused by a COVID-19 infection can lead to diffuse and temporary hair loss, typically peaking around three months after the illness.
Investigations into post-COVID conditions have frequently listed hair loss among the lingering symptoms faced by patients. This hair shedding is not isolated to severe cases; even individuals with mild COVID-19 have reported significant hair loss, suggesting that the virus’s impact transcends the severity of the initial illness.
Additionally, the long-term effects, known as long COVID, have been documented to include sustained hair loss, raising questions about the extended impact of the virus on hair follicle behavior. The underlying mechanisms are still under investigation, but the stress of illness, coupled with the body’s intense inflammatory response to fight the SARS-CoV-2 virus, appears to be a potent trigger for hair to enter the telogen phase prematurely.
This response is not unique to COVID-19; other severe illnesses accompanied by high fever and systemic upset can have similar effects. Thus, while COVID-19 infection stands as a significant stressor capable of influencing the hair growth cycle, it’s part of a broader spectrum of physiological stress impacts on hair health.
Determining when to seek a dermatologist’s counsel for hair loss following a COVID-19 infection is crucial. Typically, if the hair loss is sudden, significant, or persistent, it warrants a professional evaluation.
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Dermatologists can diagnose telogen effluvium by examining the hair and scalp and sometimes through a hair pull test, which involves gently tugging on a small section of hair to see how many hairs are shed.
This condition must be distinguished from other hair loss types, such as alopecia areata, characterized by patchy hair loss, or androgenetic alopecia, which follows a patterned balding process. In diagnosing COVID-related hair loss, healthcare professionals take a holistic view, considering the patient’s recent illness history, stress levels, and nutritional status.
They will also consider the patient’s full medical history to rule out other causes, such as thyroid disorders or nutritional deficiencies. By eliminating other potential causes, a more accurate diagnosis can be achieved, allowing for appropriate treatment strategies to be developed.
Navigating the challenges of COVID-related hair loss requires a comprehensive strategy that addresses both the physiological and psychological aspects of recovery. Coping with hair loss, especially when it’s unexpected, can be a distressing experience.
Here, we’ll outline some effective strategies and treatments to help those dealing with post-COVID hair shedding find relief and regain a sense of normalcy.
Establishing a hair-healthy routine is a foundational step in managing COVID-related hair loss. Emphasize gentle care and protection of the hair and scalp:
For those seeking specialized care, a clinic like Jae Pak MD Medical can provide a thorough evaluation and tailored treatment options.
We offer:
A well-balanced diet is essential for hair regrowth. Incorporating certain vitamins and minerals can fortify hair from within:
Since emotional stress can exacerbate hair shedding, adopting stress management techniques is critical:
While managing hair loss post-COVID-19, it’s not just the steps you take toward recovery that matter — it’s also essential to be aware of potential missteps.
Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when dealing with hair shedding after recovering from the virus:
It’s crucial not to make assumptions about your hair loss. While the timing might suggest that it’s associated with COVID-19, other factors, such as hormonal imbalances or nutritional deficiencies, could also be the cause.
Reaching out to a professional for a thorough diagnosis ensures that you get an accurate understanding of your condition and the most appropriate treatment plan.
In managing hair shedding, there can be a temptation to excessively use hair care products that promise immediate results. But flooding your hair and scalp with various products could end up causing more harm. Instead, opt for a simple, hair-friendly approach with gentle, nutrient-rich products.
Recovering from telogen effluvium takes time. If you’ve begun a proper treatment regimen, remember that patience is key. It could take a few months before you start seeing significant improvements.
Hair loss post-COVID-19 can take a psychological toll, leading to stress and anxiety. It’s important to address these emotional effects. Reach out to a mental health professional if needed and lean on your support network to help manage any emotional distress you may be experiencing.
If you’re experiencing additional symptoms along with hair loss — such as fatigue, prolonged fever, or changes in heart rate — it’s essential to consult your healthcare professional. These symptoms could indicate other post-COVID conditions, which are important to diagnose and address promptly.
At Jae Pak MD Medical, we understand the profound impact that COVID-19 can have on your hair and overall well-being. Hair loss can be a distressing symptom of the post-viral syndrome, but with a compassionate approach and specialized care, recovery is within reach.
Our commitment extends beyond treating hair loss — it’s about restoring confidence and quality of life for our patients. By leveraging advanced diagnostic techniques, providing customized treatment plans, and supporting our patients every step of the way, we aim to ensure that the path to recovery is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Remember, patience and consistency with the right treatment regimen are key. We’re here to guide you through this journey, offering expert medical support and a listening ear to all your concerns.
Together, we’ll work toward regaining not just the hair you’ve lost but also a sense of normalcy and control over your health in these challenging times.
Sources:
Hair Growth – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
Hair loss – Symptoms and causes | Mayo Clinic
Can COVID-19 cause hair loss? | American Academy of Dermatology
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