Can COVID-19 Cause Hair Loss?
In addition to countless losses generated by COVID-19, hair loss can be one of them.
Many of the after-effects from COVID-19 are still being discovered as medical professionals seek to know more about the disease. In addition to impairments related to smell, taste, and breathing, after the end of the virus cycle in the body, there are reports of severe hair loss after infection.
To learn more about this relationship, dermatologist specializing in trichology Dr. Andrea Frange highlights some aspects: “The possible causes of hair loss as one of the consequences of the coronavirus are still in the field of probabilities, as everything linked to that virus. However, it is already known that COVID-19 can cause acute telogen effluvium (the medical term for temporary hair loss), which happens when there is a loss of hair above normal."
In general, this increase in hair loss may be one of the ways in which the body reflects problems or transformations happening internally. “The triggers for this are many: the use of drugs such as antibiotics and some anti-inflammatory drugs, infections in general, surgeries, physical and psychological stress, and even mourning. In addition to weight loss, poor sleep quality or impaired nutrition, and consequently the supply of important nutrients to the body, they can also be related to falling."
According to Frange, when one contracts COVID-19, there are inflammatory changes in the body that can cause the condition. “From what has been observed, it seems that this hair loss happens early—about two months after the generating event—when compared to other situations that can also be triggers for the condition," says Andrea.
The dermatologist also says that it's necessary to have pay attention to patients who already have issues with hair loss, in case they develop coronavirus. "It is necessary to observe how this will impact the hair and if it will present a more pronounced fall when compared to its history."
What to do?
Frange explains that it is important to be aware if the fallout is outside the normal range and, if this is the case, to see a specialist. "Only he will be able to assess the condition and indicate the ideal treatment for each case," she explains. Keeping the hair clean and dry, avoiding excessive traction, and untangling carefully are simple practices that must be followed in daily life. “But if the patient's body has already started detachment because of a certain trigger, it will happen anyway. That is why medical guidance is needed to assess the cause of the problem and all the circumstances that may be involved in the fall," she concludes.
According to dermatologist Dr. Paula Amorim, other viruses such as dengue, influenza, and HIV as well as infections that cause fever such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and malaria can also be associated with hair loss which starts, on average, two to four months after infection. “There are reports of earlier cases, starting one month after the disease. The fall period can last for three to six months, of varying intensity. It is worth mentioning that very intense pictures should draw attention, and consultation with the dermatologist is essential in the process."
Regarding the best treatment, Amorim says that there is no specific treatment for post-COVID fallout. “The treatment is usually the same as for other cases of telogen effluvium and in most cases, it can be self-limiting. When the volume of strands lost is very intense or extends over a long period, we can use treatments in the clinic with MMP (Micro Infusion of Medicines on the skin), Robotic micro-needling with drug delivery, or mesotherapy. In all of them, we apply medications that will act on the follicle, accelerating the entry into the growth phase of the hair cycle and reversing the fall. The daily treatments, on the other hand, can be done with lotions containing corticosteroids or minoxidil and the result may vary according to each one," she delivers.
According to hair therapist Cintia Araujo, an average of two clients a week arrive at the salon complaining of hair loss, either due to the virus or the concern it causes. "The hair loss is temporary and lasts between two and six months. At this stage, the scalp may become more sensitive and painful when combing, styling, etc. The hair therapist, in these cases, will start with the replacement of mineral salts, proteins, collagens, lipids, and fatty acids—everything that makes up the capillary supplementation part to strengthen the wire and calcify the bulb stem. The treatments indicated in the salon are phototherapy, which stimulates blood irrigation and allows the nutrients to penetrate the skin better, or laser therapy," says Cintia.
According to the therapist, to avoid hair loss, it's ideal for a person to insert some care into their routine, such as avoiding washing their hair unnecessarily and, whenever washing, use a tonic to strengthen the hair shaft. Cintia states that the scalp needs several nutrients to strengthen itself such as protein, iron, and vitamins C, D, E, and F. “These nutrients can be ingested via capsule or through food and must be prescribed by a dermatologist or trichologist, according to each case."
In the salon, the specialist details how the treatment works. “The treatment of hair supplementation lasts an average of two hours. First, there is the peeling part of the scalp, to remove dead cells, control oiliness, and improve the microbiota, in the case of fungi and bacteria. After, there's a cleansing using shampoos with actives to strengthen and minimize hair fallout, and a reconstruction, where some supplements are chosen, such as proteins, amino acids, mineral salts, and fatty acids, to improve the quality of the hair and the thinning. Then, nutrition or hydration is done, according to the diagnosis made by the therapist, and the drying of the scalp and the hair, avoiding mechanical traction, such as rough brushing, straightening, and curling. In hair therapy, it is necessary to forget these tools that mechanically already bring hair loss. Finally, laser therapy or phototherapy."
