The Need to Analyze Telogen Effluvium and Alopecia Areata Parallelly in Long COVID Studies

The article emphasizes the importance of analyzing both telogen effluvium (TE) and alopecia areata (AA) in long COVID studies to gain a comprehensive understanding of post-COVID-19 hair loss. The study by Kyung et al. links SARS-CoV-2 infection to an increased risk of AA, influenced by COVID-19 severity and vaccination status. TE, often triggered by stress or illness, is also relevant but less recognized, leading to potential misclassification. The authors suggest presenting TE and AA data in parallel and using stricter diagnostic criteria for AA confirmed by dermatologists. Comparing hair loss from other viral infections like influenza could further enhance understanding. This approach aims to improve insights into long COVID and patient care strategies.