Temporary or Permanent?
One of the more traumatic side effects of a bout with COVID appears to be temporary hair loss. Almost one-third of all people recovering from COVID are experiencing rather significant hair loss. In most cases, the noticeable hair loss is starting about 2 months after they recover from COVID and lasting as long as 12 months. Post COVID hair loss is ranging from minor thinning to extreme hair shedding.
Telogen Effluvium
The medical term for hair loss that is more than normal is Telogen Effluvium (TE). Doctors are not certain why TE is occurring in patients recovering from COVID. It is possible that fever and other extreme side effects of the COVID illness are forcing your body into a state of TE where large amounts of hair sheds. TE normally develops after your body experiences an extremely challenging event that can be either physical or mental. Since COVID-19 inflicts major stress on your body, by attacking your organs and causing lasting trauma, it makes sense that hair loss could follow. Luckily, TE is rarely a lifelong problem. For most people, the hair stops falling out and begins to regrow within six months.
On Going Hair Loss
Although the hair loss is most often temporary, the emotional stress and anxiety of watching clumps fall out every time you brush your hair or shower can make the situation even worse. It’s important to try to de-stress and stop focusing on the hair loss. Only when the stress ends will the excessive hair shedding stop.
When It Doesn’t Grow Back
If your hair loss lasts longer than 6-12 months, you may want to explore what continuing issues may be contributing to your hair loss. There are many different tests that medical professionals can run to determine if something more than temporary TE is causing your hair loss. A good starting point for testing is to check your thyroid and other hormones. An imbalance in your hormones can manifest as hair loss.
Advanced Surgical Arts specializes in hormone balancing for men and women. They also offer hair regenerative treatments using stem cell/PRP that can help to restart your hair growth. The studies on COVID hair loss indicate that this condition affects women more than men. If you are concerned that your post COVID hair loss is getting worse or continuing past a few months, you can contact us at 972-612-1900 for testing to determine if you have a problem needing medical attention. The solution might be as simple as improving your nutrition and adding a few supplements to help the regrowth process for your hair to return to normal.
Post COVID hair loss is gaining exposure as many celebrities in Hollywood are also experiencing it and speaking out. If you are concerned with post COVID hair loss, don’t be afraid to contact a doctor to discuss your options.
