Can COVID-19 Cause Hair Loss? Understanding the Link
Written by HairMD Content Team | Medically Reviewed by Dr. Dhanraj Chavan On July 13, 2023
Hair loss results from the disturbance in the normal hair cycle that consists of three phases- growth, rest and fall.
Many causes can disturb the cycle, causing a sudden increase in hair fall counts. Currently, a lot of fingers are pointing towards the coronavirus. The covid-19 pandemic uncovered many things, and it would not be surprising if we noticed it caused hair loss.
What’s covered in the article?
- How is COVID-19 related to hair loss, and is it permanent?
- Reasons behind hair fall after covid.
- Conclusion
COVID-19 can cause hair loss, primarily due to the stress and shock of the illness on the body. This type of hair loss is often referred to as telogen effluvium, where hair prematurely enters the shedding phase. In most cases, the hair loss is temporary and hair growth typically resumes once the underlying condition improves.
However, some individuals may experience prolonged hair thinning or shedding. Recovery can vary from person to person, and consulting a healthcare provider can help address persistent issues.
Reasons behind hair fall after covid.
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Telogen Effluvium
The first reason for post covid hair loss is the viral illness itself. This phenomenon is called telogen effluvium. Like any severe viral illness, coronavirus infection causes high-grade fever; recovery from fever may cause hair loss. For 2-3 months, you may notice excessive hair loss, which is caused due to hair follicles undergoing dormancy during the illness. Hair shedding is temporary, and hair regrows once the illness is recovered.
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Stress Hair Loss
Stress may also cause post covid hair loss. This is because when you fall sick, your body starts preserving the essential nutrients for the vital functioning of the body due to low consumption of nutrients. The energy is not wasted on vital functions like hair growth, and thus hair fall occurs. If you have a habit of pulling hair when stressed, then this might also be one of the reasons for hair loss due to covid. Traction alopecia may arise due to mental stress that you are dealing with while facing such an outrageous disease.
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Medications Causing Hair Loss
Medications may also be the reason behind extreme hair fall after covid. When you fall sick, you start taking medicine without proper consultation. Some drugs may cause hair loss as a side effect and make you lose hair. Medicines for fever may contain drugs that may trigger hair loss.
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Conclusion
While hair loss may not be a direct symptom of COVID-19, many individuals who have recovered from the infection are experiencing significant hair shedding. This phenomenon, known as Telogen Effluvium, is often triggered by the physical and emotional stress caused by the illness.
However, the good news is that this type of hair loss is typically temporary. With proper care, a healthy diet, and, if needed, professional treatment, hair can regrow over time.
If you are suffering from hair fall after covid infection, do not panic and consult an expert dermatologist at HairMD, Pune. The doctor will help you find the cause and prescribe treatment for less damage.
Further Reading
PRP Therapy for Female Hair Loss: What Women Need to Know in Pune
PRP therapy for female hair loss at HairMD India Pune. Learn if you’re a candidate, what to expect, costs, and results for PCOS, postpartum, and hormonal hair thinning.
PRP Therapy Results Timeline: What to Expect Month-by-Month in Pune
Complete month-by-month PRP therapy results timeline for hair loss patients in Pune. Learn exactly when to expect shedding, first growth, peak results, and maintenance.
Scalp Microbiome and Hair Growth: What Dermatologists Know?
Is an imbalanced scalp microbiome causing your hair loss? Learn how fungi and bacteria affect follicle health — and discover targeted treatments at HairMD Clinic Pune. Book a consultation today.
Crown Baldness Progression: What Happens Over Time
Understand the stages of crown thinning and the best treatments like Minoxidil, PRP, and hair transplant.
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