By Megan WehringÂ
BUDA — Some people have experienced hair loss after getting COVID-19.
This type of hair shedding is called telogen effluvium, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, which happens when more hairs than normal enter the shedding phase of the growth cycle at the same time. Most people notice this, either in the shower or while brushing hair, two to three months after having a fever or illness.
“After COVID, or any illness on the body, more of the hairs are in the shedding phase of the growth cycle,” said Dr. Erica Stevens, dermatologist at Baylor Scott & White Clinic in Buda. “When that happens, you notice more hair coming out.”
Stevens explained that the hair growth cycle has three separate phases: growth, resting and shedding. Stressors of any kind can cause this type of hair shedding.
“So, after the stressor – For example an illness like COVID or another viral infection, pregnancy, or even an emotional stressor, like a major change in job or some traumatic life event,” Stevens said, “that stressor on the body causes more hairs to go into that shedding phase of the growth cycle.”
Hair loss due to an illness can happen to both men and women. While hair loss has received more attention after the rise of COVID-19, Stevens confirmed that it’s not necessarily unique to COVID-19, rather it can happen after almost any illness.
“I’ve seen about half a dozen people come in specifically for hair loss after COVID, but it’s probably more common than that,” Stevens told the Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch. “I think that people just don’t necessarily come to the doctor for it, especially if it’s not too bothersome for them. I suspect that it’s more common than I see in the clinic.”
Though it can be traumatic to watch more hair falling out or shedding than normal, telogen effluvium will resolve on its own. It could take several months to see the normal amount of hair return.
The best remedy that doctors recommend for hair loss after illnesses is waiting it out, according to Stevens, which could require a little extra patience.
