Another day, another COVID-19 side effect popping up. The novel case of coronavirus has caused a global pandemic that scientists can’t seem to conclude its symptoms and side effects. In fact, new COVID-19 symptoms and side effects are infecting individuals daily. The latest and greatest side effect of COVID-19 is hair loss. But can COVID-19 cause hair loss? Our dermatologist in Delray Beach is here to share more about the connection between COVID-19 and hair loss.

Can COVID-19 Cause Hair Loss?

While you might not think a respiratory illness like COVID-19 would cause a hair loss condition, but survivors are reporting they are noticing their hair is falling out as they recover. Telogen effluvium is becoming a consequence of the COVID-19 infection. Although the CDC does not list hair loss as a symptom of coronavirus, more and more patients are reporting their hair is falling out months into recovery.1 Telogen effluvium can affect women and men after experiencing physiological stress.2 The growth cycle of hair follicles can be disturbed when going through a traumatic experience. Hair loss can typically appear around three months after undergoing a stressful situation, such as an illness like COVID-19. While there is no proven evidence as to why coronavirus is causing hair loss in patients, almost any serious illness can cause telogen effluvium.2 Actress Alyssa Milano is one of the patients battling the COVID-19 symptoms. Since March, she has experienced fever and headaches.3 But the actress took to Twitter to share her hair loss reality as a result of COVID-19. In the video, Milano shows her clean brush with no hair in it, and then she begins gently combing through her wet hair.4 By the end of the video, you can see clumps of hair coming out of Milano’s head. She has bravely shared her story as a result of her long battle with coronavirus. But just like Milano, other long haulers or people who are suffering from long-lasting coronavirus symptoms are experiencing more symptoms than listed on the CDC’s website. Hundreds of patients are reporting hair loss as a side effect of COVID-19.5 From shedding to large clumps of hair; hair loss is becoming more prevalent in patients. Your COVID-19 hair loss is most likely a result of a shift in your hair follicle growth cycle due to telogen effluvium, which leads to an increase in shedding. The stress COVID-19 patients are enduring is resulting in the onset of hair loss. People who have not tested positive for coronavirus could also experience the COVID-19 hair loss effect.5 The pandemic has brought on financial stress, social isolation, concern for family and friends, working from home, and so many more stresses. Hair loss is becoming more prevalent in COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients. While telogen effluvium should resolve itself, it’s important you are maintaining a nutritious diet and normal hair care routine. If you are looking for hair loss treatment, come to the best dermatologist in South Florida. With locations in Delray Beach and our dermatologist in Wellington, our team is here to assist you with your hair loss concerns. Contact us today to get started on your treatment.

Related Reading

COVID-19 in Dermatology: Is a Rash a Sign of Coronavirus?

Sources

  1. Cleveland Clinic – COVID-19 Related Hair Loss
  2. Health – COVID-19 Has Been Linked to Hair Loss—Here's Why That Isn't Surprising to Doctors
  3. CNN – Alyssa Milano says she's losing her hair after battling Covid-19 for months
  4. Twitter – Alyssa Milano
  5. CBS News – COVID-19 could cause your hair to fall out