THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN COVID 19 AND HAIR LOSS

It’s been a hard two years for the whole world. The COVID-19 situation has hit all of us hard, some of us more than the others. The way COVID 19 also affects us is different. Some people are asymptomatic, yet some have long term effects or have very severe symptoms.

However, we can all agree that COVID-19 infection is a major stressor, causing intense physical pain and severe emotional stress. And we know that stress is not good for the human body. Our bodies react in different ways to stress; some people lose hair when under extreme stress.

So, there is an established link between COVID-19 and hair loss.

The issue

In the months following recovery from a COVID-19 infection, a lot of people notice that they lose part of their hair. In fact, about one in five people hospitalised for COVID-19 report that they lost some of their hair between three and six months after they were discharged. Even those who are not hospitalised reported some form of hair loss.

There are many reasons why we lose our hair, and stress is one of the more common causes. Telogen effluvium is the scientific name for stress-related hair loss, and this usually occurs three months or more after someone experiences a stressful event. The hair loss can last for as many as six months after it becomes noticeable.

Telogen effluvium is a common occurrence after having major surgery, having a baby, or losing a loved one.

COVID-19 has been a major stressor

Of course, COVID-19 has been a major, major stressor, one that has affected the whole of the universe. It stands to reason that stress-related hair loss will be on the increase. And it has.

Doctors report that telogen effluvium cases have increased by as much as 400% since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is important at this point to state that there is no scientific evidence that the COVID-19 virus directly causes hair loss. Rather, hair loss is related to the stress of dealing with the virus.

The symptoms

We lose about 100 hair strands per day. This is perfectly normal, as our hair is constantly in the process of shedding and growing. People suffering from telogen effluvium may, however, lose as much as 300 hair strands per day. This typically continues over the course of several months, and it is commonplace to notice more hair falling out while brushing or washing hair.

What to focus on

If you are suffering from telogen effluvium after COVID-19 or any other stressful life event, it is important to focus on managing stress, good nutrition, and taking care of your hair.

Good nutrition: Your hair needs to be properly fed with protein, minerals and key vitamins. You want to be sure that you are getting enough protein, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, iron, folic acid, and zinc.

Manage stress: Stress is a reality of modern-day life, and there is no getting around it. You can, however, limit and manage stress through exercise, good quality sleep (7 to 8 hours per night), cultivating healthy relationships, and practising mindfulness. You can also talk to your therapist or doctor about other tips for managing your stress levels.

Take care of your hair: It is very important that you treat your hair with kindness during this period. So, avoid ponytails, tight braids, and any other hairstyles that pull on the hair. You also want to avoid unnecessary and excessive heat or treatments to your hair.

The good news

The good news is that the hair lost to telogen effluvium eventually grows back, usually between three to six months of the hair loss beginning. Hair tends to return to normal on its own, and all you need to do is give it some time. When your hair starts growing back, you’ll notice short hairs all the same length by your hairline. Your hair should regain its normal fullness within six to nine months.

When should you really be worried?

If your hair loss lasts more than six months before you start noticing regrowth, or if you have other symptoms such as itching, patches of hair loss, or other irritation, it is important that you see your doctor.

Such hair loss and other symptoms might be attributable to other causes, including autoimmune hair loss, nutritional deficiencies, or hormonal causes. Your doctor will help you figure things out and help you deal with hair loss.

Conclusion

Hair loss due to COVID-19 is not the end of the world. With proper care and intentionality, your hair will grow back. While waiting, take great care of yourself mentally and physically. See you on the other side of beautiful.