TLDR COVID-19 may be linked to hair loss or worsening of hair loss in some people.
This systematic review analyzed 9 studies out of 402 articles, investigating the link between COVID-19 and alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease causing hair loss. The review found 7 new cases of alopecia areata following confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and instances of alopecia areata recurrence or exacerbation in patients with preexisting disease after SARS-CoV-2 infection. The findings suggest that alopecia areata may be a dermatologic manifestation of COVID-19, often appearing 1 to 2 months following infection. However, due to the heterogeneity of the studies and a high proportion of case reports, definitive conclusions cannot be drawn. The review also highlighted the potential exacerbating effects of physical and psychosocial stress on alopecia areata. Further research is needed to better understand the relationship between alopecia areata and COVID-19.
11 citations,
May 2021 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” COVID-19 doesn't make alopecia areata worse.
32 citations,
March 2021 in “Journal of cosmetic dermatology (Print)” COVID-19 infection may trigger alopecia areata in some patients.
10 citations,
March 2021 in “Skin health and disease” COVID-19 patients often have skin issues like chilblain-like lesions and rashes, which can help in early diagnosis and sometimes indicate severe illness.
14 citations,
February 2021 in “Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” A COVID-19 patient with severe hair loss did not improve with hair loss medication after stopping and restarting it due to the infection.
51 citations,
December 2017 in “Skin Appendage Disorders” Stress may trigger hair loss by affecting immune protection in hair follicles.
5 citations,
January 2022 in “Dermatology Reports” Tofacitinib treatment for hair loss may worsen acne.
October 2021 in “Dermatology Reports” Tofacitinib, a hair regrowth treatment, may worsen acne.
April 2019 in “International journal of research in dermatology” A child with rough nails also had hair loss and allergies.
37 citations,
October 2017 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology” Oral tofacitinib shows promise in treating atopic dermatitis and alopecia areata, but only slight improvement in vitiligo.
18 citations,
January 2010 in “Dermatology Research and Practice” DPCP treatment for alopecia areata can sometimes cause vitiligo.
