How To Deal With COVID-Related Hair Loss?
After a COVID-19 infection, many patients have hair loss. More than 20% of those hospitalized with COVID-19 lose hair 3 to 6 months after discharge. Covid-related hair loss may be far more prevalent, according to other research with people having milder symptoms.
Hair loss caused by COVID 19
COVID 19 induces hair loss as a result of the body’s stress caused by the respiratory virus. COVID 19 infection was shown to be a substantial cause of telogen effluvium (TE), a stress-related disorder marked by a decrease in the number of hair follicles, according to a study done by the University of Baghdad last year.
After a physically or emotionally distressing incident, such as a severe infection or a traumatic event, TE usually develops. It’s little surprise that Covid-19 has been discovered as a main cause of the illness, given how its proteins hook onto healthy cells, particularly in the lungs.
Besides, COVID-19 fever symptom has the greatest influence on the shedding rate. “Fever is a common symptom of COVID-19 and a few months after having a high fever, many people see noticeable hair loss,” superintendent pharmacist Navin Khosla at FromMars explains.
Treatments
Nutritious diet and hair health supplements
Protein and key vitamins & minerals play an important role in your hair growing and being healthy. Hair health supplements can help you speed up the process of hair restoration. Antioxidants including vitamins A, E, and C help your body repair faster by combating oxidative stress. Biotin, often known as vitamin B7, is required for the production of keratin, a protein that gives your hair its structure. Taking iron supplements in this scenario may help you reduce your hair loss considerably more quickly. Zinc is also necessary for the healing of hair tissue. Protein, vitamin D, and fish oil are all crucial nutrients that may be supplemented.
Detoxification and stress reduction
Following a healthy lifestyle is a good way to recover from hair shedding. Make sure you get enough water. Exercise on a regular basis. Avoid smoking and consuming alcoholic beverages. Say no to pre-packaged meals. Also, practice stress reduction techniques such as mindfulness and meditation.
Take care of your hair
To avoid excessive shedding, you must be gentle at this period when your hair is at its weakest. Massage your scalp in a moderate circular manner while washing your hair. To avoid knots, wash your hair in a downward manner rather than piling it up. Trimming your hair’s dry ends might help you avoid tangles and tugging when brushing. Sulfates, parabens, alcohols, and artificial fragrances, heat styling, and chemical hair treatments such as perming and rebonding should also be avoided.
General health examination.
Your hair loss might be caused by various factors in addition to post-COVID-19 telogen effluvium. Stress, poor diet, weight loss, hormone changes, and other co-existing health conditions are among the causes. Hair loss can be exacerbated by health conditions such as poor thyroid function or a vitamin D3 or B12 deficiency. To make your hair restoration journey smoother, get medical counsel from a dermatologist or hair expert.
Medical treatments
There are several FDA-approved drugs and procedures that effectively reduce hair loss. For example, medications including Minoxidil, Finasteride, and cyclical vitamin treatment have been shown to be effective. Furthermore, hair loss treatments such as PRP hair treatment and mesotherapy result in excellent hair regeneration.
FAQs about covid-related hair loss
What are the different phases of hair growth?
Hair growth is divided into three stages:
- Anagen: the hair follicle grows in this phase
- Catagen: when the hair follicle stops growing, it is said to be in catagen.
- Telogen: This is the resting period, during which the hair remains dormant for 2 to 3 months before falling out. Around 10% to 15% of your hair is in the telogen phase.
Approximately 90% of hairs on our scalp are in the anagen (growing) phase, while the remaining 10% are in the telogen (resting) phase. Anagen lasts roughly three years on our scalp, after which hairs begin to transition into telogen, which lasts two to six months. Our hairs are lost from their follicles at the end of telogen and eventually replaced by new anagen hairs. The growth cycle then resumes.
Is hair loss a possible negative effect of COVID-19 therapy?
No, COVID-19 therapy does not cause hair loss. Rather, telogen effluvium is to blame, and it’s most likely owing to the stress of the disease.
When does hair loss caused by COVID usually begin?
Hair loss due to telogen effluvium usually begins 2 to 3 months after receiving COVID-19 or experiencing another traumatic experience.
Is it possible to regenerate hair after telogen effluvium?
Yes, following telogen effluvium, your hair will regenerate. Hair regrows in three to six months on average.
Is hair loss a lifelong condition?
Hair loss caused by COVID-19 infection is unlikely to be permanent. Hair will begin to regrow six months following recovery for the majority of patients.
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