Does COVID-19 Cause Hair Loss?

While many people affected by COVID-19 have experienced hair loss, it's important to understand that hair loss is not a typical symptom. It is a possible temporary side effect that some individuals may experience. Here's what you need to know about COVID-19 and hair loss:

1. Temporary Telogen Effluvium: Some individuals who have recovered from COVID-19, as well as those who experienced significant stress during the pandemic, have reported temporary hair loss. This condition called telogen effluvium, occurs when the hair follicles prematurely enter the resting (telogen) phase of the hair growth cycle. It can happen weeks or months after a stressful event or illness, including COVID-19.

2. Causes of Hair Loss: Telogen effluvium can be triggered by various factors such as high fever, nutrient deficiencies, medications, hormonal imbalances, and emotional distress. In the case of COVID-19, the virus itself or the stress associated with the infection, prolonged illness, or emotional impact of the pandemic can contribute to hair loss.

3. Duration of Hair Loss: Telogen effluvium usually resolves on its own within a few months. Once the underlying trigger (in this case, COVID-19 or related stress) is addressed, the hair follicles will start producing new hair, and the hair will gradually grow back.

4. Treatment for COVID-Related Hair Loss: There's no specific treatment for telogen effluvium related to COVID-19. If hair loss is significant, doctors may recommend addressing underlying medical conditions, ensuring a balanced diet, managing stress, and maintaining good hair care practices to promote hair growth.

5. Other Causes of Hair Loss: It's important to note that hair loss can also be caused by various other factors not related to COVID-19, such as androgenetic alopecia (male-pattern or female-pattern baldness), alopecia areata (an autoimmune condition), thyroid problems, vitamin B12 deficiency, and certain medications.

If you're experiencing hair loss, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate advice on management and treatment. Most COVID-19-related telogen effluvium cases are temporary and usually resolve within a few months.