TLDR Some people who got COVID-19 experienced temporary hair loss starting around 10 weeks after infection, with many seeing improvement within about 25 days.
In a study conducted from March 2020 to October 2020, 27 patients recently diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection developed acute telogen effluvium, a form of temporary hair loss. The median time of increased hair loss since SARS-CoV-2 infection diagnosis was 10 weeks. However, in 33.3% of cases (9 patients), hair loss occurred early, within a latency period of 3 weeks or less. The resolution of telogen effluvium was documented in 59% of cases (16 patients) with a median duration of hair loss of 24.5 days. The researchers hypothesized that viral cytopathic effects and inflammatory or immune responses may affect hair follicles and explain hair loss and trichodynia (scalp pain). This was the first comprehensive collection of patients with acute telogen effluvium following SARS-CoV-2 infection.
82 citations,
June 2020 in “Inflammation Research” Skin problems in COVID-19 patients are rare and may be due to the body's complex immune response or blood clotting issues.
56 citations,
August 2019 in “Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology” The document concludes that Telogen Effluvium is a hair loss disorder that can be assessed with the modified wash test and may be treated with clobetasol foam, with patient management being important.
26 citations,
December 2015 in “International Journal of Dermatology” Trichodynia is a painful scalp condition linked to hair loss and inflammation, often with anxiety, affecting more women and needing better treatment options.
46 citations,
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1 citations,
August 2022 in “JAAD case reports” Tofacitinib and oral minoxidil may help treat Sisaipho alopecia areata.
6 citations,
December 2014 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology” Hair density and thickness decrease in all scalp areas for East Asians with AGA.
58 citations,
September 2012 in “Dermatologic Clinics” Male pattern hair loss caused by follicular miniaturization; early diagnosis and treatment can reduce psychological burden.
24 citations,
September 2012 in “Dermatologic Surgery” The conclusion is that normal scalp hair counts for Taiwanese people were established, showing age-related differences but not sex or scalp location differences.
6 citations,
August 2006 in “Journal of Cutaneous Pathology” Two teenage brothers had a rare, treatment-resistant form of female-pattern hair loss with unusual scalp changes.
