Hair Loss After SARS-CoV-2 Infection
December 2022
in “
Journal of Education, Health and Sport
”
TLDR Covid-19 can cause different types of hair loss, which can affect people's mental and social well-being.
The document discusses hair loss, specifically telogen alopecia, alopecia areata, and androgenetic alopecia, as a common dermatological manifestation following Covid-19. Telogen alopecia is caused by an extended resting phase of the hair due to increased pro-inflammatory cytokines and a decrease in anticoagulant proteins, resulting in microthrombosis. Alopecia areata has seen a significant rise in incidence, influenced by autoimmunity and stress factors, both psychological and physiological. Androgenetic alopecia is due to excess androgens and increased sensitivity of hair follicles to these hormones. Despite not being life-threatening, hair loss post-Covid-19 has significant psychological and social impacts, emphasizing the importance of patient education about the mechanism and treatment of this condition.