Hair loss is scary and emotional, and it can be even more overwhelming as you recover from the physical and mental stress that accompanies COVID-19.Studies have shown that there are also numerous reports of hair loss among long-term symptoms such as fatigue, cough, and muscle aches.We talked to the pros about this stress-related hair loss and what you can do to boost growth after recovery.
“COVID-19-related hair loss usually begins after recovery, usually six or eight weeks after a patient tests positive. It can be extensive and severe, and people have been known to lose as much as 30-40 percent of their hair,” Delhi said Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi, a consultant dermatologist and hair transplant surgeon at MedLinks.
While it may be thought of as hair loss, it’s actually hair loss, explains Dr. Veenu Jindal, a consultant dermatologist at the Max Multi Specialty Centre in New Delhi.There is currently no evidence that the coronavirus itself causes it.Instead, researchers and doctors say, the physical and emotional stress COVID-19 puts on the body can lead to telogen effluvium.The life cycle of hair is divided into three stages.”At any one time, up to 90 percent of the follicles are in the growing phase, 5 percent are in the quiescent phase, and up to 10 percent are shedding,” Dr. Jindal said.However, when there is a shock to the system, such as emotional distress or a high fever, the body goes into fight-or-flight mode.During the lockdown phase, it only focuses on basic functions.Since it is not necessary for hair growth, it transfers the follicle into the telogen or telogen phase of the growth cycle, which can lead to hair loss.
All the stress didn’t help.”Patients with COVID-19 have elevated levels of cortisol due to a high inflammatory response, which indirectly increases levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), causing the hair to enter a telogen phase,” Dr. Chaturvedi said.
People typically lose up to 100 hairs a day, but if you have telogen effluvium, the number looks more like 300-400 hairs.Most people will see noticeable hair loss two to three months after the illness.”When you shower or brush your hair, a small amount of hair falls out. Because of the way the hair growth cycle is done, it’s usually a delayed process. This hair loss can last for six to nine months before it stops,” Dr. Jindal said. .
It is important to note that this hair loss is temporary.Once the stressor (COVID-19 in this case) is relieved, the hair growth cycle will begin to return to normal.”You just have to give it time. When your hair grows back, you’ll notice short hair that’s the same length as your hairline. Most people see their hair return to its normal fullness within six to nine months, ‘ Dr Jindal said.
However, when your hair is falling out, be gentler than usual to limit external stress.”Use your hair dryer’s lowest temperature setting. Stop pulling your hair tightly back into buns, ponytails, or braids. Limit curling irons, flat irons, and hot combs,” advises Dr. Jindal.Dr. Bhatia recommends getting a full night’s sleep, eating more protein, and switching to a milder, sulfate-free shampoo.He recommends adding minoxidil to your hair care routine, which can stop DHT-related hair loss.
However, if some people have lingering symptoms or any underlying medical condition, they may continue to lose a lot of hair and need to be evaluated by a dermatologist, says Dr. Chaturvedi.”These patients may need to try topical solutions or advanced therapies such as platelet-rich therapy or mesotherapy,” he said.
What is absolutely bad for hair loss?More pressure.Jindal confirms that stressing your enlarged section or the strands on your pillow will only speed up cortisol (hence, DHT levels) and prolong the process.
Post time: Jan-17-2022