SARS-CoV-2 and Androgenic Alopecia: Exploring Links
January 2021
in “
International Journal of Dermatology
”
TLDR Possible link between COVID-19 and hair loss; more research needed.
Several articles explore the potential links between SARS-CoV-2 and androgenic alopecia (AA), a type of hair loss. Studies suggest that androgen receptor activity may play a role in the transcription and regulation of ACE-2 and TMPRSS2, potentially contributing to the development of androgenic alopecia in COVID-19 patients. The prevalence of AA was found to be higher in female patients aged over 69 years who were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2. Clinicians and dermatologists should counsel their patients and raise awareness to decrease the mental burden in an already stress-prevalent time. Further research is needed to fully understand the potential link between androgenic alopecia and COVID-19.