COVID-19 Induced Telogen Effluvium

The study, involving 204 patients with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection, found that COVID-19 is associated with telogen effluvium (TE), a condition of temporary hair loss. TE was found in 36.7% of cases and COVID-19 associated TE (CATE) was present in 27.9% of cases, developing on average 53.76 days after COVID-19 RT-PCR positivity. The proportion of patients with CATE was higher in hospitalized patients, women, patients with hypertension, and those who had respiratory symptoms. The study found no significant correlation between the development of TE and stress level or usage of COVID-19 medications. Additionally, patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) had a higher rate of hospitalization and a higher incidence of fever during COVID-19. The study suggests that clinicians should consider a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients presenting with hair loss.