A Comment on Psychological Distress and Women’s Hair Loss Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only caused physical health issues but also psychological distress, particularly in women. Studies conducted in Spain and Hong Kong involving 3,480 and 500 participants respectively, found that women were more likely to show greater depressive symptoms and anxiety. Hair loss, a major source of suffering for women, has been exacerbated during the pandemic, with an increase in complaints and cases of alopecia areata and telogen effluvium. The severity of hair loss may correlate with the severity of COVID-19 infection, with patients with high fever experiencing more hair loss. The pandemic has also impacted the treatment of alopecia due to lack of accessibility to hospitals and restrictions on medications. As the pandemic continues, a multidisciplinary approach is needed to address both the physical and psychological needs of patients.