It’s been over eight months since the coronavirus pandemic broke out in Wuhan, China, changed life as we know it forever. Since then, the virus has been spread to 213 countries across the world and infected more than 20 million people. In the beginning, it was sniffling, sore throat, soaring temperature and flu-like symptoms that were considered the major symptoms. However, we now know that the disease manifests itself in different ways.
Many researchers have said that even patients who have recovered from coronavirus could continue to experience a range of physical and mental effects–such as lingering hearing problems, hair loss, dizziness, mood disorders, anxiety, etc. Along with this, there could also be lasting damage to the heart, kidneys, and liver due to the inflammation and blood clotting that the infection causes.
Hair Loss And The Coronavirus
Various dermatologists have reported seeing COVID-19 patients having hair loss, particularly telogen effluvium (TE), a form of temporary hair loss, months after they recovered from the disease. Doctors believe hair loss may not be directly triggered by COVID-19, but maybe a consequence of a shock to the body caused by a high fever and other symptoms.
According to a report in Times Now, Dr. Shilpi Khetarpal, MD, a dermatologist at Cleveland Clinic said that just the general pandemic stress could also be leading to hair loss in patients who don’t even have coronavirus.
“There’s financial stress, concern for ill family members, anxiety about contracting the virus, social isolation and changes related to working and schooling from home. We are absolutely seeing hair loss in non-COVID patients that seem related to pandemic stress”, said Dr. Khetrapal.
How Does COVID-19 Cause Hair Fall?
As mentioned above, hair loss could be related to telogen effluvium which is basically the temporary loss of hair after being in a high-stress situation or go through a traumatic event. According to The Hindu Business Line, the average person sheds about 50 and 100 hair strands per day. But when we’re talking about Telogen effluvium, it’s much more.
What Can You Do About Hair Fall?
Obviously, there isn’t an overnight cure and dermatologists do not recommend ‘magic treatments’ for hair growth. With Telogen effluvium, the patient usually recovers in terms of hair loss in three to nine months, so patience is important. In some cases, this condition could become chronic, which is also treatable but may take longer. Seeking medical aid can help because each hair fall case is different and your dermatologist may want to put you on medication for the time being. However, there are a few measures you can take at home too to keep the hair fall in check:
- Having a rainbow diet and eating all the fruits and veggies to keep vitamin and nutrient intake high.
- Maintaining good sleep hygiene by waking up and sleeping at a particular time.
- Working out and exercising to release endorphins.
- Indulging in activities that reduce your mental stress like yoga, adult colouring, meditation etc.
- Taking a break and giving yourself no-work days once in a while.
- Not combing your hair with super fine brushes with a lot of force.
Guys, many of us seem to have forgotten that we’re still in the middle of a pandemic and it’s adversely affecting some people and their families. Let’s stay safe, stay indoors whenever possible, and wear a mask when stepping out. And remember, we’ll get through this!
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