Hair, Nail, and Skin Changes During COVID-19 Era
November 2021
in “
Egyptian Journal of Medical Microbiology
”
TLDR COVID-19 protective measures led to skin irritation, hair loss, and brittle nails; using skin-friendly products and a healthy diet is recommended.
The study aimed to identify the effects of COVID-19 protective measures on hair, nails, and skin, using an online questionnaire with 1893 participants from various Iraqi cities between June and August 2020. The results showed that 55% of participants experienced hand dermatitis, 64% had mask marks and rashes, over 64% reported significant hair loss, and 56% noticed their nails becoming brittle and dull. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of balancing the benefits of protective measures with potential harm by recommending the use of skin-friendly products without common allergens, products with added moisturizers, moisturizing after hand washing or before glove use, and maintaining a healthy diet.