Does coronavirus cause hair loss? This question came up after Hollywood star Alyssa Milano revealed that her hair was falling out after her coronavirus treatment. Scientific studies also show that hair loss occurs in almost one out of four patients in the late stages of coronavirus, in addition to symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, fatigue, and loss of smell.
My hair is falling out, am I infected with coronavirus?
Hair is born and grows in a cyclic manner, resting and then falling out of the body. Hair also goes through this life cycle throughout one's lifetime. After losing 70-100 hair strands per day, new hair is produced. If daily hair loss is more than 100, the process can become irreversible and chronic after 6 months, resulting in thinning and loss of volume in the hair.
People who have had a coronavirus infection may experience hair loss after the illness, but hair loss is not listed as a symptom of COVID-19. Therefore, there is no evidence to suggest that patients who experience hair loss should worry about being infected with coronavirus. So, people who are experiencing significant hair loss but do not have symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath do not need to get tested for COVID-19.
Stress and medications can have an impact.
Various factors such as stress, infections, trauma, febrile illnesses, rapid weight loss diets, certain medications, postpartum hormonal changes, thyroid diseases, and nutritional deficiencies such as iron, zinc, and biotin can lead to hair loss. As a result of these factors, hair in the resting phase can fall out and be shed from the body 2-4 months later. During the course of a COVID-19 infection, the intense stress, high fever, and possible side effects of medications can also contribute to hair loss, which may be observed 2-4 months after the infection.
The only hair problem related to coronavirus is not widespread hair loss.
- Alopecia areata (spot baldness)
- Gray color changes in hair
- Increased cases have also been reported in male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia)
A recent scientific study conducted in Japan regarding the effects of coronavirus on hair has shown that in the late stages after the disease, along with symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, fatigue, and loss of smell, approximately 24.1% of patients experienced hair loss that started around the 56th day, with an average duration of 76 days.
Oh no, am I going to be bald?
The hair loss that occurs after coronavirus treatment is generally temporary.
The acute shedding that develops after coronavirus and infections is generally expected to be temporary and return to normal.
If the person's general condition is good, their nutrition is adequate, and they can cope with stress, the hair that enters the resting phase usually grows new, normal hair. Acute hair loss does not lead to baldness.
During this period, since hair growth takes an average of 4 months, the growth will be slow and the patient will feel their hair thin, lose its fullness and volume for a while. Typically, the process returns to normal after an average of 4 months.
Consume these for the renewal of hair after coronavirus.
Coronavirus infection is a significant source of stress for everyone. Unfortunately, in those who experience severe illness, psychological stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems may continue for a while. The continuation of this stress may slow down the recovery process, especially in people who also experience hair loss. Therefore, individuals who experience intense psychological stress and have difficulty coping with stress are recommended to seek psychological support.
Nutrition is quite important for hair development. Hair follicles can grow faster in an environment rich in protein and iron. In addition, biotin, zinc, and vitamin D are other vitamins that nourish hair. For this purpose, foods rich in protein, such as:
- Eggs
- Salmon and seafood
- Avocado
- Spinach
- Red and white meat
- Almonds
- Yogurt
- Fruits and dark leafy greens
should be consumed. In individuals with healthy nutrition, these foods are generally sufficient. However, in individuals with rapid hair loss, special supplements rich in vitamins and minerals such as iron, biotin, zinc, pantothenic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, and iron recommended by a doctor can also be used.
