Hair Loss In COVID-19

During the current Pandemic of COVID 19, there is a growing number of patients reporting hair loss, even in patients who did not have COVID 19. Stress is probably the most common cause of this hair loss. Dermatologists, who specialise in diagnosing and treating skin, hair and nail disorders can tell you what could be the exact cause of hair loss or hair shedding. Wellness of hair, skin, and nail shows one's state of well-being. Wellness is a process of adopting patterns of behaviour so that they lead to improved health and heightened life satisfaction.

Hair loss can occur when there is an excessive phase of hair shedding called TELOGEN EFFLUVIUM, common in people who experienced stressors like high-grade fever, recovering from illness, weight gain or loss, sudden change in life style like change in sleep and diet pattern etc. Most people notice excessive shedding post few months after stressful events. Hair shedding within six to nine month generally regains its normal fullness with proper assessment and treatment.

Hair loss can also occur when something causes actively growing hair to start shedding and this condition is called ANAGEN EFFLUVIUM. It's a rare type of hair loss. Use of harsh hair products, some severe immune system reactions, certain drugs called anti-metabolites like those used as anti cancer medications can cause this type of rare hair loss.

Hair loss of certain types involve complete loss of hair from specific areas of scalp, face or body known as ALOPECIA AREATA. This hair loss is without symptoms and generally seen as a coin-shaped patch of completely lost hair. It can lead to panic but is easily treatable.

So in this Pandemic of COVID-19 and LOCKDOWN stay calm and composed, have adequate sleep, eat on time, keep your immunity high, exercise at home, keep social distancing and keep yourself safe at home.