TLDR The document suggests that more research is needed to confirm if baldness can indicate a higher risk of severe COVID-19 in men.
The document discusses the hypothesis by Wambier et al. that there is an association between SARS-CoV-2 infectiveness and the androgen pathway, which could explain the higher male mortality rate from COVID-19. They suggested that antiandrogen treatment, including 5-α reductase inhibitors, could have therapeutic benefits. They also proposed the "Gabrin sign" to identify patients at higher risk for severe COVID-19 symptoms based on the presence of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). However, the accuracy and validity of their studies have been questioned, particularly the identification and severity grading of AGA. The document also mentions that other risk factors for severe COVID-19 in younger men without pre-existing medical conditions are being explored, such as loss-of-function variants of X-chromosomal TLR7 associated with impaired type I and II interferon responses. The authors suggest that before establishing an eponym like the Gabrin sign, confirmation of the observation by an independent party of investigators is needed.
4 citations,
August 2020 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Hair loss link to COVID-19 severity likely due to other factors.
6 citations,
July 2020 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Hair loss link to severe COVID-19 unclear.
119 citations,
May 2020 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Most COVID-19 patients in hospitals have androgenetic alopecia, more in men, suggesting a link between androgen sensitivity and severe COVID-19 symptoms.
5 citations,
May 2020 in “Dermatologic Therapy” 5-alpha reductase inhibitors might worsen lung recovery in COVID-19 patients, suggesting a pause in their use.
May 2024 in “Journal of clinical medicine” Spironolactone is safe for treating female hair loss, but the safety of other drugs is uncertain.
30 citations,
December 1999 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings” Steroids, particularly estrogens and 5α-reductase inhibitors, affect blood vessel-related hair growth processes in hair follicle cells.
May 2023 in “Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology” More personalized and effective treatments for androgenetic alopecia are needed.
March 2017 in “InTech eBooks” Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition that can cause low self-esteem and depression, and early treatment is important to prevent scarring.
August 2002 in “Dermatologic Surgery” Fluridil safely promotes hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia.
