The novel Coronavirus has wreaked havoc across the globe and within our bodies. People who have been affected by COVID-19 have complained about a host of issues including hair fall. Is hairfall a long term effect of COVID-19? No, the truth is what we consider hair loss is actually hair shedding. This is common among people who’ve recovered from COVID-19 in fact , most of my patients complain about it even after two to three months of recovering from the disease but the good thing is, it’s not permanent.
Why does your hair fall after COVID-19?
The hair loss that follows COVID-19 is consistent with a condition called Telogen effluvium (TE). People with TE much like my patients report hair loss that comes on suddenly. Hair typically falls out in large clumps, often while brushing or showering. People suffering from TE can experience hair loss for anywhere between six to nine months. But how is TE relevant to COVID-19 you may ask? One of the symptoms of the virus is fever and the same is also a trigger for TE and another major factor is stress. Our bodies and minds are equally affected and stressed when battling the disease, long periods of quarantine, isolation and physical exhaustion take their toll and cumulatively account for one’s hair loss. In a nutshell, COVID-19 basically pushes your hair from the Anagen phase (growing phase) to the Telogen phase (final/ fall phase).
Tips to promote hair regrowth
- Don’t stress and don’t panic, you will regain most of the hair you’ve lost
- Include yoga or pranayama in your exercise routine because these exercises can combat stress hormones released in the body
- Consume nutritious food rich in vitamin A,e,c,b12, selenium and zinc
- Include essential fatty acids like eggs, spinach, berries, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds and avocados as part of your diet
- Medication with Minoxidil and Peptides also help with regaining and regrowing your hair
If the problem persists and you find yourself worrying, please seek the help and guidance of your Dermatologist.