Post-SARS-CoV-2 Acute Telogen Effluvium: An Expected Complication

February 2022 in “ Journal of Clinical Medicine ”

Paola Monari, Giulio Gualdi, Giorgio Bettoni, Raffaella Costa, G Ragni, F. Zani, G. Bianchi, Silvia Casella, E. Casella, Massimo P. Crippa, Piergiacomo Calzavara Pinton, Marta Di Nicola, Annamaria Porreca, Paolo Amerio, Pierangelo Guizzi

telogen effluvium alopecia SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19 hair loss temporary hair loss

TLDR Many COVID-19 patients experience temporary hair loss after infection, not linked to infection severity or treatment.

The hospital-based, cross-sectional study "Post-SARS-CoV-2 Acute Telogen Effluvium: An Expected Complication" found that 31.3% of patients discharged with a diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia experienced alopecia, with a significant gender difference (females 73%, males 26.7%). The average time from the onset of the first symptoms to alopecia was 68.43 days. However, there were no significant associations between alopecia and COVID-19-related features, treatment characteristics, or laboratory findings. The study concludes that post-infection acute telogen effluvium, a type of temporary hair loss, occurs in a significant number of COVID-19 patients, potentially impacting their quality of life. This condition is a foreseeable complication directly related to the disease, and not associated with the severity of infection, treatments, or nutritional deficiencies.

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research A Surge in the Incidence of Telogen Effluvium in Minority Predominant Communities Heavily Impacted by COVID-19

14 citations , March 2021 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

More people, especially Hispanic/Latinx, in certain NYC communities experienced temporary hair loss during the COVID-19 pandemic.

research Telogen Effluvium Associated with COVID-19 Infection

44 citations , January 2021 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

COVID-19 may cause hair loss due to infection stress or treatments.

research Androgenetic Alopecia Present in the Majority of Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19: The 'Gabrin Sign'

119 citations , August 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.

research Telogen Effluvium: A Review of the Literature

40 citations , May 2020 in “Cureus”

The conclusion is that treatments for Telogen Effluvium exist, but standard treatment guidelines are needed.

research Dengue Virus Infects Primary Human Hair Follicle Dermal Papilla Cells

14 citations , August 2018 in “Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology”

Dengue virus can infect human hair follicle cells and may cause hair loss.

research Traditional Anticoagulants and Hair Loss: A Role for Direct Oral Anticoagulants? A Review of the Literature

31 citations , January 2016 in “Drugs - Real World Outcomes”

Some new oral anticoagulants may also cause hair loss and might not be better than traditional ones for preventing hair loss.

research Proposing a Simpler Classification of Telogen Effluvium

21 citations , January 2016 in “Skin appendage disorders”

Alfredo Rebora suggested a new, easier way to classify hair loss in Telogen Effluvium, adding a type possibly related to autoimmune diseases.

research Telogen Effluvium: A Review of Acute and Chronic Forms

67 citations , January 2013 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

Chronic Telogen Effluvium may resolve after years and is diagnosed by examining the patient's history and clinical signs, with treatment aimed at underlying causes and possibly minoxidil.

research Trichoscopy Update 2011

178 citations , December 2011 in “Journal of Dermatological Case Reports”

Trichoscopy is a useful tool for diagnosing different hair and scalp diseases by their unique visual features.

research Diffuse Hair Loss: Its Triggers and Management

88 citations , June 2009 in “Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine”

To manage diffuse hair loss, identify the cause, improve nutrition, remove triggers, and use specific treatments like minoxidil or finasteride.

research Diffuse Hair Loss in an Adult Female: Approach to Diagnosis and Management

70 citations , January 2009 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

To manage hair loss in adult women, find the cause and treat it accordingly.

research Drug Reactions Affecting Hair: Diagnosis

85 citations , April 2007 in “Dermatologic Clinics”

Some drugs can cause hair loss, change hair color and shape, or increase hair growth, and treatment may involve stopping the drug or using specific hair growth treatments.

research Videodermoscopy in the Evaluation of Hair and Scalp Disorders

304 citations , November 2006 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Videodermoscopy improves diagnosis of hair and scalp disorders and may reduce scalp biopsies.

research Telogen Effluvium as a Clinical Presentation of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

5 citations , April 2002 in “The American Journal of Medicine”

Hair loss can be an early sign of HIV infection.

research Telogen Effluvium

214 citations , March 1993 in “Archives of Dermatology”

Telogen effluvium is a reversible hair loss condition that requires a detailed diagnosis and often resolves on its own.

research Telogen effluvium. New concepts and review

69 citations , March 1993 in “Archives of Dermatology”

The document says there are five types of hair loss conditions and different causes, including drugs.

research Interferon alfa-2a in the treatment of cutaneous T cell lymphoma

209 citations , March 1989 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Interferon alfa-2a is effective for treating cutaneous T cell lymphoma but has significant side effects.