Increased incidence of hair loss as a result of infection with Covid-19

  by Dr. Yiannis Neofytou

Often in situations of intense stress, surgery, illness or serious infection, it occurs a few months after severe hair loss, something called telogen effluvium. Its duration is about 3-6 months and it is reversible. Significant psychological stress – something that is not uncommon during the pandemic we are going through – but also the disease from SARS-CoV-2 are factors that can affect the normal cycle of hair growth and lead to hair loss.

It is not yet clear whether the increase in hair loss cases is more closely related to pandemic stress or the number of Covid-19 infections. Patients who became ill, observed thinning hair or abrupt loss of a large percentage of hair as a result of infection with Covid-19. This hair loss occurred about 3-4 months after infection or hospitalization of these patients. In fact, in published studies, hair loss was one of the most frequently reported persistent symptoms in patients with the disease.

Why did this happen?

Telogen hair loss occurs as the body is in a state of shock, which pushes more hair to go into a resting phase (telogen phase). About 30% of hairs stop growing and go into the telogen phase before falling out. However, because the hairs remain in the telogen phase we mentioned, for a period of 2-4 months and then fall out, no hair loss is observed immediately after the event or infection.

Although abrupt hair loss in a short period of time is a condition that scares most patients, they should be aware that it is usually reversible and the normal hair growth cycle returns after a period of 6 months. Telogen hair loss can be diagnosed by a dermatologist based on the patient’s history, clinical picture of the scalp and hair.

If necessary, other factors will be tested through blood tests, such as thyroid disorders that may be affecting hair loss. In any case, cases of hair loss and alopecia need further investigation and clinical evaluation by a dermatologist, as they may be due to other causes.