Telogen Effluvium Following COVID-19 Infection: A Retrospective Study of 113 Cases

January 2025 in “ International Journal of Trichology ”

Namrata Chhabra, C Anju George, Satyaki Ganguly

telogen effluvium COVID-19 trichodynia pruritus ferritin Vitamin D nutritional deficiencies micronutrient assessment drug-induced telogen effluvium hair shedding coronavirus itching hair pain iron deficiency vitamin D deficiency

TLDR Telogen effluvium is common after symptomatic COVID-19, especially in young females, and may be linked to nutritional deficiencies.

This retrospective study investigated 113 cases of telogen effluvium (TE) following COVID-19 infection, with a focus on patterns and associated factors. The majority of patients were young females, and 93% were symptomatic during their COVID-19 infection. Common symptoms included fever and severe disease requiring hospitalization. The study found that TE was more prevalent in symptomatic COVID-19 cases, with trichodynia and pruritus being frequent complaints. Nutritional deficiencies, such as ferritin and Vitamin D, were observed in a significant portion of patients, suggesting a potential link between COVID-19 and these deficiencies. The study highlights the need for micronutrient assessment in post-COVID-19 TE cases and considers the possibility of drug-induced TE. Limitations include the absence of a control group and patient follow-up.

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