What you need to know about COVID and hair loss?
As far as research tells us, hair loss related to COVID is due to stress. This can be stress related to contracting the virus or stress because of the way COVID impacts your life.
A COVID-19 infection can have a wide range of effects on a person’s health. Symptoms might range from mild to severe or even long-term in some cases. Stress from a COVID-19 infection can lead to hair loss, which can be a distressing side effect for some people. Continue reading to learn more about the relationship between COVID-19 and hair loss.
Overview
Currently, we live in a very stressful era. Job security, losing a company or house, and being sick are major concerns for many people. A growing number of people are doing their first-ever remote jobs while also juggling the responsibilities of homeschooling their children. Many people are tired of the long isolation and the uncertainty of when their lives will return to how it was.
Stress-related Hair loss affects two out of every five people right now, with 39 percent of COVID patients reporting hair loss while recuperating from the Coronavirus, or a stress-related diagnosis. Hair loss has become more prevalent than nausea, vomiting, tachycardia (increased heart rate), and even a sore throat as a side effect of Covid. As a result, long-haulers of the coronavirus are more prone to lose their hair. In addition to these alarming numbers, we may expect tens of millions of people to experience the emotionally distressing side effect of hair loss as the worldwide case count continues to rise.
Losing Hair After Covid
Stress-related hair loss known as Telogen effluvium can cause hair loss of more than 100 to 150 hairs a day. Here are other things you should know:
When you’re stressed out, your hair may fall out for a short period. Excessive shedding of resting or telogen hairs is a symptom of telogen effluvium, which can occur after a systemic “shock” or trauma.
The growth of our hair occurs in cycles. Anagen is the active growth phase of hair follicles; telogen is the resting or dormant phase of the hair cycle. Up to 70% of hairs in the growth phase of the hair cycle can be shifted into the resting phase by a stimulus such as a virus, fever, or excessive stress. Approximately two to four months following a stressful occurrence, hair loss begins to take hold on the scalp, resulting in a noticeable reduction in hair density.
Fortunately, when a hair loss peak has been attained the rate of hair loss begins to slow down. It takes six to nine months for the hair to begin to regrow. A full recovery is not always likely for everyone, and in some patients, the hair loss is revealed to be genetic related, in both men and women.
What Are The Early Symptoms Of Telogen Effluvium?
It’s natural to lose up to 100 strands of hair a day. However, telogen effluvium can cause a person to lose up to 300 hairs every day for several months. Brushing your hair or taking a shower may cause additional hair to shed. Also, you may notice that your hair is becoming thinner.Do COVID-19 Medications Cause Hair Loss?
No, COVID-19 treatment does not cause hair loss. The telogen effluvium that causes this is most likely triggered by the stress of the disease.
Is Hair Loss Linked To Covid-19-related Autoimmune Conditions?
The research on COVID-19 and autoimmunity is still ongoing, even though we already know there is a relationship. We don’t yet know if COVID-19 causes patchy hair loss, although alopecia areata and other autoimmune conditions have been linked to hair loss in past studies.
Is It Possible To Grow Your Hair Back After A Telogen Effluvium Experience?
Yes, hair grows back after a telogen effluvium experience. Hair regrowth might take anywhere from three to six months.What Can I Do To Prevent Stress-related Hair Loss?
When faced with a stressful situation, such as coronavirus, you may be able to avoid hair loss by taking certain measures such as focusing on a healthy diet, coping with stress, and caring for your hair.Invest In A Healthy Diet
Hair requires protein and essential vitamins and minerals to grow and stay healthy. Make sure you’re getting enough of these nutrients, whether it’s from food or supplements. Get nutrients such as Protein, Iron, Zinc, Folic acid, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, and Vitamin D.Managing Stress
It can be difficult to learn how to control stress, which can lead to a variety of physical and mental ailments. Here are some ways to cope with stress: ● Exercise ● Get at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night. ● Maintain healthy relationships ● Consult your doctor or therapist for advice on various methods of stress management.Caring For Your Hair
The following are some things to keep in mind when caring for your hair:
- Ponytails and tight braids hairstyles should be avoided since they pull the hair.
- Do subject your hair to high heat or chemical treatments.
- Even if it’s difficult, you must remain patient and accept that your hair will regrow, although it may take some time.
When Should I Visit A Doctor For Hair Loss
You should consult a doctor if your hair loss persists for longer than six months or if you experience any additional symptoms such as patches of hair loss or itching. Other reasons for hair loss, such as hormonal, nutritional, or autoimmune, can also be the reason. While you wait for your hair to regrow, you can get certain treatments.Treating Your Hair Loss
More proven therapy alternatives than ever before are available today from topical therapies like ZMIN and ZFIN, the Laser Cap, to stem cell treatments like Amnio-Z and Z-Factors. A hair transplant is also recommended if you have underlying male or female pattern hereditary hair loss.
The Bottom Line
People who have recovered from COVID-19 often notice that they begin to lose their hair months later. The stress of having COVID-19 contributes to the hair loss condition known as telogen effluvium. If you want to keep your hair healthy, there are a few things you can do. You can visit a hair loss specialist. There are proven methods for halting your hair loss and restoring hair growth.
Schedule Your Consultation
For your hair transplant procedure, call us at our practice today. Our experienced hair restoration specialist from Northwestern Hair, Dr. Rawlani, will be happy to meet with you and enlighten you about your hair transplant options and when you can resume with your physical fitness routine. With us, you are certain to get excellent and compassionate hair transplant services.