TLDR Male pattern baldness may increase COVID-19 severity risk.
This study explored the potential link between male androgenetic alopecia (MAA) and COVID-19 severity, suggesting that MAA could be an unrecognized risk factor. It examined the overlap between MAA progression and Chinese medicine (CM) meridian theory, highlighting similarities in morphological patterns and body constitution, particularly the presence of a damp-heat dominated constitution in both MAA patients and those with underlying COVID-19 conditions. The study emphasized the need to recognize vulnerable body types to prevent increased severity of infections and provided acupuncture points for treating MAA.
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.
42 citations,
June 2009 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” Hair loss in males involves inflammation, collagen buildup, and follicle damage, with severity increasing with age and baldness duration.
November 2024 in “Benha Journal of Applied Sciences” Reduced alpha smooth muscle actin may cause hair loss in androgenetic alopecia.
1 citations,
December 2023 in “Life” PRP helps skin heal, possibly through special cells called telocytes.
25 citations,
July 2021 in “Journal of Medical Virology” COVID-19 can cause various skin issues, including rashes and hair loss, which usually heal on their own and don't always indicate severe illness.
2 citations,
February 2023 in “BJUI” Urologists should monitor mental health in patients taking finasteride due to potential links to suicidal thoughts, adjusting dosage or stopping use if necessary. More research is needed to confirm if finasteride causes these thoughts.
January 2023 in “European endocrinology” People with alopecia have a higher risk of thyroid cancer.
