Covid recovered patients are now complaining of hair loss. There is a sharp rise in the number of temporary reversible hair loss cases — also known as telogen effluvium — in Post-Covid patients due to physical and emotional stress, say doctors in Mumbai.
Doctors point out that the adverse effect of Covid-19 on mental and physical conditions of even those who have not had the infection is well known and documented. Currently, problems such as hair loss are fast emerging as one of the common side effects of this pandemic.
“Hair loss post-Covid usually begins two or three months after the patient recovers from Covid-19. Noticeable hair loss usually starts after an average of about 55 days post-recovery,” said Dr Debraj Shome, Cosmetic Surgeon and Director, The Esthetic Clinics.
Dr Shome added that hair loss happens due to fever because of infection, diet changes, stress due to isolation, financial worries, or fear of losing the job. This hair loss is known as telogen effluvium. This condition is a temporary form of hair loss and is often seen in corona patients because of the shock that the body sustains resulting from fever and other symptoms, he explained
“We have seen around 20 patients with such hair fall recently,” said Dr Shome.
“The hair goes into the resting phase sooner than nature intends and this results in clumps of hair in your hairbrush. The hair fall usually occurs from all across the scalp. Covid-19 is not the only reason that can cause this type of hair fall. Other factors such as changes in diet, weight loss, sudden hormone changes, and iron deficiency can further accelerate this process,” said Dr. Rinky Kapoor, Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetic Dermatologist and Dermato-Surgeon, The Esthetic Clinics.
Telogen effluvium is a temporary condition, which improves in about three to six months post-onset of hair loss.
“If hair fall is alarming, consult a good dermatologist for hair fall treatments. Relax, take a deep breath, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and let the recovery take its course. The sooner you say goodbye to stress the sooner will hair shedding stop. Include a few minutes of meditation and breathing exercises in the daily schedule,” advised Dr Kapoor.
“Switch to a rainbow diet i.e., include loads of colorful seasonal vegetables and fruits such as spinach, lettuce, oranges, figs, and capsicum in your daily diet. Make an exercise routine that is a mix of cardio, strength training, and yoga. Get a good night’s sleep and avoid hair styling products and treatments,” suggested Dr Kapoor.
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