POST-COVID HAIR LOSS

POST-COVID HAIR LOSS

BEFORE WE BEGIN...

The information provided in this article is for information purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for medical advice. Please read our disclaimer at the bottom of this page for more information.

INTRODUCTION

If living with COVID-19 has taught us anything it’s to expect the unexpected, so it is not surprising to see reports of post COVID hair loss in the news and discussed by professional bodies such as the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) and the Institute of Trichologists (IoT). In fact, there are now a number of studies on the subject, including one published in the Irish Journal of Medical Science which concluded that “COVID-19 infection is now a frequent and a common cause of acute telogen effluvium”.

So what exactly is ‘Acute Telogen Effluvium’?

Well, acute telogen effluvium is a type of non-scarring alopecia which typically occurs 3 months after a stressful event. These events can cause hair shedding which lasts for up to 6 months.

Thankfully, the good news is that most or all of the hair being shed is likely to be recoverable, with telogen effluvium usually resolved without any need for treatment.

This temporary hair loss is normal seen after a fever or illness and, with a fever a common symptom of COVID-19, it is easy to understand why this occurs. Common triggers of telogen effluvium can also include childbirth, severe trauma, and a stressful or major life event. Telogen effluvium leads to less hair in the growing phase, and more in the resting and shedding phases.

However, while many people may think of this pandemic-induced fall as hair loss, it’s actually more likely hair shedding. Handfuls of hair can come out when you shower or brush your hair and this hair shedding can last for six to nine months before it stops. Most people then see their hair start to look normal again and stop shedding.

STRESS

While you may never catch COVID-19, you may still see hair shedding as emotional stress can also force more hair than normal into the shedding phase. With many feeling more anxious during the pandemic, not only about catching COVID themselves but also the worry about loved ones, it is not hard to understand stress levels rising.

While seeing your hair fall out in clumps can add to your stress levels, it’s important to try to de-stress as telogen effluvium hair loss tends to return to normal on its own. Unfortunately, you just have to give it time. However, if you suspect that your hair loss is caused by something more than telogen effluvium from stress or a fever, talk with a hair-loss expert, a dermatologist.

HOW CAN NANOGEN HAIR FIBRES HELP?

Nanogen Hair Fibres are the ideal product to help cover the thinning area while your hair begins to naturally regrow. In fact, many people enjoy the benefits of Nanogen Hair Fibres so much that they continue using them in the longer term, to maximise fullness and give their hair-and their confidence - an instant boost.

FURTHER READING

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DISCLAIMER

While our aim is to provide you with up-to-date and relevant information, this information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss your specific case with a healthcare professional who knows your specific medical history.