Hair Loss Following COVID-19 Infection - The State of Current Knowledge and Treatment Approaches
December 2022
in “
Journal of Education, Health and Sport
”
TLDR COVID-19 can cause hair loss, often treated effectively with a combination of supplements and topical treatments.
The document discusses Telogen effluvium, a type of hair loss affecting nearly 30% of COVID-19 patients, typically occurring 3 months post-infection and lasting up to 6 months. This condition is more prevalent in women and its severity may correlate with the severity of the COVID-19 infection. The hair loss is likely caused by pro-inflammatory cytokines released during infection and the virus's pro-thrombotic effect. Effective treatments include oral supplements like vitamin D, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and zinc, as well as topical application of minoxidil and high-platelet plasma treatments. The document concludes that due to the commonality of post-COVID-19 hair loss, a combination of different treatment approaches appears to be the most effective strategy.