One of the lesser discussed aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic is the intense hair loss which people experience during or soon after recovery. In some cases, hair can fall off in large quantities, resulting in deep distress for the patient. Additionally, due to lack of conversation around this particular situation left in the wake of the pandemic, the uncertainty and unawareness can worsen matters further.
According to Dr Soumya Jagadeesan, Clinical Associate Professor, Dermatology, Amrita Hospital, Kochi, about 30 percent (approximately one-third), COVID-19 patients may develop the complication. The condition has been seen across genders, though some studies noted that females are more affected or perhaps sought medical consultation for it more often.
The specific condition, in medical terms, that the pandemic caused or triggered in people is called telogen effluvium. Before going any further, let’s first unpack the meaning of these two words.
Dr Sachin Dhawan, Senior Consultant, Department of Dermatology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, explains that there are three main phases of the hair cycle:
Anagen or the growth phase
Telogen or the shedding phase
Catagen or the transition phase
Dr Jagadeesan adds that the hair loss can be dramatic, and thus potentially very upsetting for the patient, resulting in severe psychological morbidity. The hair may fall in clumps, resulting in significant thinning and noticeable appearance of the scalp. Even though most cases might get resolved within the first three months, in some rare instances it may even persist for up to five to six months
Dr Jagadeesan recommends to watch out for co-existent nutritional deficiencies, especially if the
hair becomes dry and brittle, which may be more common after a severe infection or hospitalization due to coronavirus. “Some patients have also experienced trichodynia, a painful/pull-like sensation around the hair follicles, along with COVID-related hair loss”, he adds.
It is of course wise to keep an eye out on the amount of hair fall, specifically after washing or combing them. Seeing an excess amount of hair on the floor or bed even without combing points towards the early phase of telogen effluvium which in some patients can even go up to losing almost 60-70 percent of their pre-COVID hair volume, says Dr Dhawan.
Both doctors agree that there is no strict definition as to who may or may not be affected by it, yet there are a few factors to keep in mind.
The severity of the infection has a direct correlation with the intensity of telogen effluvium and the consequent hair loss.
“Extent of shedding may depend on how long a patient has suffered from COVID-19 and was it mild or very severe. While all age groups are equally affected, we are commonly seeing more middle-aged people in our OPD,” says Dr Sachin Dhawan.
Fortunately, this is a self-limiting condition. Reassurance and education is key to managing it. The knowledge that the dramatic hair loss is due to a transient disruption of the hair cycle pattern, and that the person concerned will fully recover within a few months, can be comforting for a lot of patients, underlines Dr Jagadeesan.
A balanced diet is a prerequisite for overcoming it, emphasise both doctors. Under the guidance of a medical professional, supplements can also be explored as an option.
In addition to all of this, please also remember that mild cases of telogen effluvium recover on their own within two to three months. In case the condition persists longer than that, an expert can be approached for professional guidance.
(Rosheena Zehra is a published author and media professional. You can find out more about her work here.)
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)
Published: undefined