In recent months, many people who survived COVID-19 have reported a significant loss of hair. A majority of them reported that they have been experiencing severe hair loss. There is no denying the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us one thing – to expect the unexpected and the hair loss COVID-19 patients are noticing is in fact not so expected.
Temporary hair loss is common after an illness or fever
Fever is one of the most common symptoms of COVID-19. While many believe their hair loss after recovering from COVID-19 is permanent hair loss, it is actually hair shedding (telogen effluvium).
During this health condition, more hairs enter the telogen (shedding) phase than normal and people notice considerable hair shedding within 1-3 months of an illness or fever. This form of hair shedding can go on for approximately 6-9 months before it stops on its own. After this period, people again start noticing hair growth.
Stress can be a big contributor
The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed almost everyone on the brink of anxiety, stress, loneliness, and depression. On top of this, the lifestyle of people has changed completely as people are usually awake during late nights or even till early mornings. These changes also contribute to hair loss as the human body is not used to such sudden changes.
Furthermore, the anxiety and stress that complement hair loss can be overwhelming for many. It is for these and many more reasons that you should try to maintain an active lifestyle and follow a disciplined personal and professional schedule every day without fail.
A study appearing in the prestigious International Journal of Audiology revealed that 120 UK patients who had been hospitalized for COVID-19 reported issues with hearing. Similarly, many dermatologists across the world reported that a lot of patients were having online consultations with them about hair loss. However, they said hair loss is not directly triggered by COVID-19 but it is actually a result of a shock to the human body because of severe fever and other symptoms.
According to medical experts, hair loss may be caused by a variety of factors such as age, stress, genetic, lack of physical activity, medication, and hormonal imbalances. It was also remarked that hair loss during the pandemic may also be reported by people who were not affected by COVID-19 at all. This is primarily because the level of financial, personal, and professional stress along with concern for ill family members or loved ones can trigger temporary hair loss. Moreover, social isolation and anxiety about contracting the virus along with endless wait to get COVID-19 vaccination may elevate the already-surged stress levels.
How to care for yourself?
- To avoid hair loss during pandemic and restore normal hair growth, it is best to follow a disciplined and stress-free daily schedule.
Moreover, people should consume fresh fruits and vegetables and ensure a sound and uninterrupted sleep of at least 8-9 hours every day. - The use of gadgets should be kept to the minimum, especially during the evening and night time.
- It is also important to work out every day even if this means a brisk walk at home or an unshared terrace.
- Breathing exercises, yoga, or meditation should be practiced to tackle stress.
- People should only buy chemical-free hair products after having a word with their doctor or a hair specialist.
- You should never skip your meals and each meal must be consumed on time. Moreover, you should avoid junk and stale food. You should always ensure that your meals are fresh, hot, and home-cooked.
- We hope that this information was useful to you in more than just a way.