Hair Loss After COVID | Longevita

When you think about it, it seems surreal that a 60-140 nanometers (nm) virus has brought the world to its knees. The repercussions of the novel coronavirus have been daunting. 

Although there is much that’s yet to be known about this virus, it has caused many problems for those who have been infected by it. 

Something that many people who have recovered from COVID-19 have noticed is that they start losing their hair. One of COVID’s side effects can be hair loss. However, what causes COVID hair loss, and is it permanent? 

Will There Be Hair Loss After COVID?

While many people experience hair loss after COVID, it’s not a given that you’ll always experience shedding or breakage. Mainly, hair loss post-COVID has been discussed in reference to a type of hair loss known as telogen effluvium or shock hair loss, which can be triggered by physical and/or psychological stress.

The stress and anxiety of having COVID in the first place and then the illness itself taking a toll on the body can trigger telogen effluvium hair loss. However, that is not to say that it’s something that will always happen.

Hair loss

But besides telogen effluvium, COVID has been linked to other types of hair loss as well, which might make you more vulnerable to certain alopecias. For instance, a systematic review published in JAAD International reported alopecia areata – a type of autoimmune condition resulting in patchy hair loss – in COVID-19 patients occurring 1-2 months after the infection.

Another study in the same journal also reported an association between COVID-19 and telogen effluvium and alopecia areata – the latter as a “relapse” in patients who already had alopecia. But curiously, it also reported a connection between androgenetic alopecia or pattern baldness in more severe infections.

However, here you should also note that sometimes, an episode of telogen effluvium may also expose an underlying, pre-existing androgenetic alopecia. So, it’s possible for your hair to be affected by different types of hair loss simultaneously.

Other than that, even a type of scarring or cicatricial alopecia called frontal fibrosing alopecia – a type of hair loss affecting the hairline and the sides of the scalp – has been reported in relation to COVID. Therefore, if you have an existing condition, it might also influence your COVID hair loss.

Frontal fibrosing alopecia
Tziotzios, C., Petridis, C., Dand, N. et al., Frontal fibrosing alopeciaCC BY 4.0

Hair Loss In Women After COVID Vaccine

COVID vaccine hair loss in females, including alopecia areata and telogen effluvium, has been reported.

A study in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care reported hair loss in 670 of the 991 men and women who had received vaccines for COVID-19. Interestingly, however, telogen effluvium hair loss post-vaccinations was more reported in more women than men.

There have also been many case reports of alopecia areata in women after getting COVID vaccines, some far more severe than others. For instance, a case study in the International Journal of Dermatology reported the development of Marie Antoinette syndrome – a type of rare and severe alopecia areata that not only results in hair loss, but also causes the hair to turn white – in a female patient who didn’t even have a history of the condition.

Marie Antoinette hair
Marie Antoinette syndrome is so-named after Queen Marie Antoinette because it’s said that her hair turned white overnight from the stress of execution./Image in Public Domain

While there have been reports of hair loss in women after COVID vaccinations, there’s still a lot to be known and understood. It isn’t something that should affect your decision to get vaccines because you need to keep their benefits in mind. It’s a good idea to talk to further discuss COVID hair loss in females with a dermatologist.

Hair Loss In Men After COVID Vaccine

COVID vaccine hair loss has also been reported in men, including telogen effluvium and alopecia areata. While stress is considered to be causative of shock hair loss, it’s believed that vaccines might also trigger an abnormal immune response, leading to the development of alopecia areata.

However, again, it must be reiterated that the relationship between COVID vaccine and hair loss isn’t exactly clear. Vaccines are important in developing protection against this virus. Therefore, you are concerned about alopecia or are experiencing it COVID vaccination hair loss, consult a medical professional.

What Are The Symptoms Of COVID-19?

A lot of us take our hair for granted; never imagine losing them. However, when you lose them, in times like these, it ends up adding to your stress. The unpredictability of this virus is also quite nerve-racking. Most of us are aware of its symptoms by now: 

  • Dry cough 
  • High fever 
  • Tiredness 
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Headache 
  • Diarrhoea 
  • Loss of smell and taste
  • Shortness of breath

Symptoms can also vary depending on the severity of the illness. What’s alarming is that even mild symptoms of this virus can cause serious brain disorders, as reported by The Guardian. It not only affects the lungs but also causes the formation of blood clots in the vessels.

COVID

Even children are vulnerable. A rare inflammatory response called multi-system inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C), as per CDC, has been reported among them. Those who have an underlying medical condition are at a greater risk, as are those who are older. 

The National Institute of Health (NIH) has also reported a link between the development of autoimmune disorders and COVID has also been found, where people have developed Guillain-Barré syndrome, hemolytic anemia, systemic lupus erythematosus, and diabetes, among others. According to NIH, it could be a result of the inflammation caused by the virus.

Close contact with an infected individual is largely responsible for the transmission of this virus from one person to another. The respiratory droplets can find their way to your eyes, mouth, or nose if the infected individual sneezes, coughs, breathes heavily, or sprays spittle while talking. 

Worse yet, even after the SARS-CoV-2 enters the body, our immune system doesn’t become aware of its presence for a while. A cell infected by a virus releases a group of proteins called interferons to alert the neighbouring cells. However, nothing like that happens when this virus attacks the body, as per the BBC, allowing its rampant spread. 

What is Post-COVID Fatigue Syndrome?

For some people, the coronavirus is persistently making them suffer. Even after recovering from the infection and developing antibodies to it, some are experiencing “chronic exhaustion, pressure in the lungs, difficulty breathing” for more than a month at times, according to a report by the DW. These symptoms can come and go, leaving them stuck in a coronavirus limbo.

Fatigue

According to a report of the National Institute for Health Research, four different syndromes can affect the sufferers of long COVID, including pre-intensive-care and post-viral fatigue syndrome. Individuals infected with the novel coronavirus can also develop scarring inside their lungs.

On performing any physical activity, they get easily and soon out of breath. The British Medical Association has called long COVID an “occupational health issue.” The virus can also cause permanent damage to the organs. 

Times are hard, and we need to practice more empathy. Everyone needs to shoulder greater responsibility. You can create a difference by following the health and safety guidelines against the coronavirus.

Practising social distancing, using a hand sanitiser with more than 60% alcohol, and, most importantly, wearing a mask are some things that every one of us needs to do. Through our collective effort, we can ensure a speedy recovery from this pandemic. 

What Are The Symptoms Of Hair Loss After COVID?

Depending on the type of hair loss you’re experiencing, the COVID hair loss symptoms can vary. If you have telogen effluvium, you can experience diffuse hair loss in which hair loss occurs all over the scalp. It can make you lose as many as 300 hair strands in a day instead of the usual 100-150.

In alopecia areata, the hair loss usually occurs in patches, but depending on the severity of the alopecia, your entire scalp (alopecia totalis) and even the entire body (alopecia universalis) might be affected.

Bald man

In androgenetic alopecia, hair loss progresses in a distinct pattern in males, but it’s usually diffuse in females. Frontal fibrosing alopecia forms a band of hair loss across the front.

As noted above, hair loss may also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as changes in the pigmentation of the hair, but it depends on what type of hair loss you have. Additionally, itchy scalp and hair loss after COVID have also been researched.

A study published in Dermatology Practical and Conceptual also reported COVID patients experiencing trichodynia, a painful, burning sensation of the scalp, in addition to hair loss after the infection. So, that’s another symptom you might experience with COVID hair loss.

How Long Does COVID Hair Loss Last?

A 2022 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology reported that recovery from hair loss post-COVID usually took around 5 months (while it started 2 months after the triggering event).

However, COVID hair loss recovery time can vary according to the underlying cause of the alopecia. For instance, if you have the acute form of telogen effluvium, the hair loss may last about 6 months or so.

However, telogen effluvium can also last more than 6 months in which case it’s considered chronic. It’s also something that patients with long COVID can experience, the symptoms of which, according to the CDC, can “last for weeks, months or even years.”

For alopecia areata, the British Skin Foundation, states that it might be months or even years till regrowth takes place. There’s no guarantee.

Does COVID Hair Loss Grow Back?

Hair loss due to COVID can be temporary if it’s caused by telogen effluvium. In this case, the hair can grow back within 3 to 6 months. Although if the telogen effluvium is chronic, it can last for years as well.

On the other hand, if the hair loss type is scarring and/or permanent like pattern baldness or frontal fibrosing alopecia, your hair won’t grow back.

What Is The Treatment For Hair Loss After COVID?

Here are a few tips that you can follow in dealing with hair falling out after COVID:

Talk To A Doctor 

Telogen effluvium is not permanent. At most, it can take a year for you to recover from it. You should try to stay indoors during the pandemic to protect yourself and others from the virus. Although it’s difficult to stay calm and stress-free, you should try to do so by practising yoga, meditation or even seeking professional help.

Moreover, try to keep a check on your health and get in touch with a doctor if you’re feeling unwell. You need to make sure that you’re taking care of yourself, both physically and mentally as a part of your post-COVID hair loss remedy.

PRP Injections 

Plasma-rich platelet protein is driven from the red blood cells of the individual undergoing the treatment. These proteins can help promote healing in the area where injected. 

PRP to treat hair loss

PRP therapy is very popular and effective for stimulating hair growth and can even support the growth of new hair. Your doctor might recommend it among different treatments for hair loss after COVID.

Supplements 

Sometimes people are suffering from iron, mineral, and vitamin deficiencies, among others, without even realising. This can also exacerbate COVID hair loss.

Supplements

Protein, zinc, iron and vitamins for hair loss after COVID can promote the health of your hair. However, make sure that you consume them when/if needed after consultation with a doctor.

That’s because the consumption of supplements is useful for those who are suffering from a deficiency. An overdose of supplements can be harmful, so you need to find out if you have a deficiency or not

Eat Healthily

This is one of the best things to do. A healthy diet can boost your immune system, which can provide greater protection against the virus. With more time in your hands, you can switch from eating takeout frequently to homemade food, which is far healthier. 

Sugary, processed, and high-sodium foods will not do you any good. You can start making healthy choices from this very minute. We are what we eat, after all. Make sure to eat a balanced diet with proteins, carbohydrates, and good fats as a part of your COVID hair loss recovery. 

Healthy food

Vegetables are, of course, a must. Greasy, junk-food, you should avoid them at all costs. Also, you should decrease your alcohol intake as it can negatively impact your immune system, leaving you more vulnerable. Lastly, don’t eat a few hours before getting into bed and take a good night’s rest. Sleep is your best friend. All these things can help in COVID hair loss treatment.

Take Care Of Your Hair

If you are already losing your hair, it’s important that you don’t put any more stress on it through excessive or harmful styling techniques. You should also be careful about not tying your hair too tightly as that can also cause a type of hair loss known as traction alopecia.

Conclusion

There is a link between COVID and hair loss. And the answer to does COVID cause hair loss can be in the affirmative, especially because of the stress caused by the condition,

It may be because of telogen effluvium or autoimmune conditions. Moreover, a link between COVID vaccinations and hair loss has been reported. Although it is worrisome, fortunately, your hair can grow back within a year (if it’s because of stress or illness). 

The huge stressors in your environment are certainly not allowing your immune system to function properly. Therefore, you need to make sure that you’re taking care of yourself. Make healthy lifestyle choices, eat healthily, and you’ll stay healthy.

Moreover, keep practising social distancing measures, wear a mask, wash your hands, and do not touch your eyes, mouth, and nose. And for both COVID and hair loss treatment, you must talk to a doctor.

Reviewed and Approved by Trichologist Yaprak Yazan

How to stop COVID hair loss?

To stop COVID-related hair loss, it’s important that you talk to a medical doctor. Depending on the type of hair loss, it might go away on its own, but your doctor might also recommend medications, supplements or other non-surgical treatments to help with your hair loss.

How to reverse post-COVID hair loss?

To reverse post-COVID hair loss, you first need to get a diagnosis of the underlying cause. Telogen effluvium can resolve on its own, but for alopecia areata and other types of hair loss, your doctor might recommend special treatment.

Can COVID cause hair loss?

COVID can cause hair loss by causing physical and emotional stress. Usually, telogen effluvium is the type of hair loss associated with COVID, but there have been reports of alopecia areata as well, among more permanent alopecia. Keep in mind the answer to does COVID affect hair loss is not so simple; hair loss can occur due to a number of reasons so it’s best to consult a medical professional.

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