How Covid Affects Hair loss

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Think COVID-19 and flu, runny nose and sore throat come to mind. Hair loss is probably not the immediate image that you associate with the virus. It is not as serious as the long-term respiratory issues people worry about with contracting COVID-19, but it can still cause distress.

Because of the starkness of seeing hair falling in clumps, you might also worry about your overall health. The good news is that your hair loss from COVID-19 is most likely temporary, unless another underlying health problem is to blame. 

This form of hair loss is linked to stress and a condition called telogen effluvium. In this blog post, we explain just what telogen effluvium is, how it’s triggered by the coronavirus and what remedial steps you can take.


COVID-19 and telogen effluvium

Hair loss from COVID-19-related telogen effluvium has been documented by several researchers. In a study in Iran, for instance, more than 24% of people hospitalised for COVID-19 experienced hair loss because of this condition.

Telogen effluvium is characterised by heavy shedding of hairs and can cause male and female pattern hair loss, affecting hair follicles all over the scalp. The main trigger for this form of hair loss is stress. 

And if you have contracted COVID-19 before and had your health affected or been worried about your health, you can understand how it can be a stressful experience. Making matters worse, you might also have found yourself socially isolated during lockdown or without a job because of economic disruption from the coronavirus. 

Telogen effluvium usually manifests itself eight to 12 weeks after a stressful event like COVID-19. Stressors can be broadly divided into psychological stressors and physical stressors. 


Psychological stressors

  • Loss of income
  • Loss of a loved one
  • Relocation to another country
  • Preparation for examinations


Physical stressors

  • Medical conditions and medications
  • Bacterial infections
  • Severe weight loss
  • Major surgery
  • Dengue fever
  • Childbirth
  • COVID-19


What to do if you are shedding hair after getting COVID-19

 

If you had COVID-19 and are going through hair loss, you may want to visit a hair restoration clinic. A hair restoration clinic can thoroughly assess your condition and offer customised solutions for you.

Besides considering professional treatment, it is recommended for you to get enough rest and manage the stress you are feeling from hair loss. Eat a healthy, varied, plant-forward and whole food diet that supplies your body with sufficient nutrients for good hair growth.

If your shedding is severe and affecting your confidence, you can consider using hair coverage products.Good quality hair fiber, for instance, is useful during social events when you need to feel and look your best.

Avoid rushing to a salon seeking a short term fix. Hair salons are not specialised in the field of trichology and do not have the expertise to get to the root of your hair loss.

Treatment options for telogen effluvium

Acute telogen effluvium with no underlying causes usually resolves on its own in four to six months. Nevertheless, you may want some form of treatment to prevent your hair loss from getting worse. You may also want to get as accurate a diagnosis as possible to rule out other causes. 

If you are looking for a solution to hair loss, you can consider contacting Terra Medical.  We are a hair loss clinic in Singapore and use a combination of treatments to get optimal results.

Besides performing surgical hair transplants we also provide hair supplements to support healthy hair growth. Contact us today. .

About Terra Medical

Terra Medical is a dedicated hair loss clinic that specialises in various hair restoration treatments, as well as a holistic approach to overall hair wellness. The hair restoration clinic is led by an internationally credentialed (ISHRS) doctor, Dr. Joshua Chong alongside our resident doctor, Dr. Jia Cheng Heng and a team of hair restoration technicians. The clinic aims to provide treatment options focused on achieving results that align with each patient’s unique needs and circumstances.

We offer comprehensive consultations and personalised treatment plans tailored by the doctors. These treatment plans can be a combination of the following: FUE hair transplant, Regenera Activa (AMT), TrichoPAT, Post-Natal Hair Loss Solution and more.

We understand how challenging it is to face hair loss alone. As a hair restoration clinic, our specialised team aims to provide compassion, empathy and ongoing support throughout your journey, ensuring you feel heard, empowered and informed every step of the way.

Rediscover the joy of fuller, healthier hair. Schedule consultation with Terra Medical today.

consultation with Terra Medical today.