COVID-19

COVID-19

As Covid-19 continues to sweep our nation, researchers have been able to monitor and learn from the various symptoms of the virus. Recent developments indicate that in addition to any hair loss from the stress that comes with living through a pandemic, hair loss may also be an additional side effect from the virus itself.

 The International Journal of Dermatology and the US National Library of Medicine (NCBI) has recently published that one in four people who tested positive for Covid-19 showed hair loss symptoms. (Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7665672/).

 

During the pandemic, there has been an increase of the following specific types of hair loss:

 

  • Telogen Effluvium:  An extreme instance of hair loss may occur when the body deals with physical trauma. Specifically, this can happen from being ill, pregnant, or even rapid weight loss. Additionally, a study on patients in the US stated that, of the COVID-19 survivors, 33% of them experienced this specific type of hair loss. This is namely due to the body’s weakness that one would endure from the virus.
    • Symptoms: If a person is experiencing an increased amount of hair loss beyond the typical 50-100 strands per day or notices large amounts of hair on their pillows, hairbrushes, or in their bathroom drain, they likely have Telogen effluvium.
  • Alopecia Areata: This is a stress-induced autoimmune disease leading to hair loss.
    • Symptoms: When a person notices a patch of missing hair or a bald spot on their head in one or more places. These bald spots can appear suddenly and can increase quite rapidly. This typically occurs in patients experiencing stress from the lack of financial and job security during the pandemic.
  • Trichotillomania: A type of hair loss caused by a patient who pulls out their hair. This typically occurs from a response to emotional stress. This condition is most frequently seen in women and teenagers between the ages of 14-17.
    • Symptoms: In cases like this, the hair is typically pulled out from the root, which can lead to bald spots and patches not only on a person’s head but also on their eyebrows and other parts of the body. Specifically, during the pandemic, this type of hair loss has increased immensely among teenagers due to the stress of quarantine, lack of in-person social interactions, and anxiety about their futures.

Hair LossDespite the various common means of hair loss in the pandemic, there is some good news specifically for those experiencing hair loss from having Covid-19 (Telogen Effluvium). Fortunately, any hair loss experienced from COVID-19 is not permanent. With the right combination of Homeopathy and FDA-approved Hair Vitalising treatments, a person’s hair should grow back fully. 

In addition to pursuing medical treatments to assist in hair restoration, it is equally important to take care of one’s mental health. Meditation and therapy, among other de-stressors, can significantly impact the health of a person’s hair as well.

 

 

Staff Writer
Mike Tober
The Hair Society
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