COVID-19 has a range of distressing physical impacts, but one of the lesser understood concerns is hair loss. Many people who contracted the virus reported hair loss in later months, which was, perhaps, written off as stress-related or due to other factors. Conclusive research has confirmed that COVID-19 is linked to one of the most common types of hair loss, telogen effluvium.
Telogen Effluvium Explained
Telogen effluvium is a type of alopecia, or hair loss, with multiple causes[i]. Telogen effluvium is caused by disruption of the hair cycle. The hair cycle runs from growth, to resting, to shedding. When the hair cycle is disrupted, resting hair moves into the shedding stage far too early, causing additional or even excessive hair fall.
Known causes of telogen effluvium include:
Pregnancy and childbirth; this type of hair loss is also called telogen gravidarum
Some illnesses
Trauma
Stress
Some medications
Unlike genetic alopecia, telogen effluvium is always caused by changes or disruptions in the individual’s life.
Does COVID Cause Telogen Effluvium?
Research from August 2021 concluded that “COVID-19 infection is a major cause of acute telogen effluvium” [ii]. Acute telogen effluvium means that hair loss lasts for around six months, which can seriously impact the confidence and mental well-being of the patient.
This study looked at 39 patients of different genders and ages, all confirmed as having been infected with the COVID-19 virus, SARS-COV-2. All participants in the study experienced excessive hair loss within 2 or 3 months after becoming ill from the disease. This study is important because it gives clinicians and doctors the information to arm their patients with, so they can prepare COVID-19 sufferers for the possibility of hair loss and how long it may go on.
Why Does COVID Cause Hair Loss?
Hair loss is often linked to trauma and stress and instances of fever and severe unwellness. COVID covers all these factors. Fever is a primary symptom of COVID, and patients may experience very high temperatures for extended periods. The treatment for COVID can be traumatic, especially when hospitalization occurs. Other factors such as being isolated from family and friends, or fearing for the future, can also contribute to higher cortisol levels which may also be linked to hair loss. When you’re well, it’s easier to control the stress levels in your life. COVID is a factor you can’t control and impacts many aspects of life that increase stress and mental health issues.
Anyone who has contracted COVID-19 could be at higher risk of hair loss, but support and treatment are available. If you’re struggling with hair loss, Genesis II can help. To schedule a free consultation, click here.
Photo Credit: Mylene2401 Via Pixabay
[i] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7320655/
[ii] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34467470/
