Why covid-19 hair loss sounds worse than it really is

COVID-19

By Jack Turley

12 August 2020

Covid-19 hair loss? What’s next?

It feels like the more we know about covid-19, the more we have to worry about. With preparations for a second peak already a grim prospect, there are even suggestions that the virus might never fully go away.

And, worse, the list of symptoms and side effects of the disease continues to grow. The NHS symptom checker has already added loss of taste or smell to the initial tell-tale signs, along with a high temperature and continuous cough.

These main symptoms accompany a plethora of unofficial symptoms, ranging from shortness of breath and fatigue, to sore throats, nausea, and diarrhoea.

In it for the long haul

Now, a rising number of so-called long-haulers are reporting hair loss from covid-19. These long-haulers are people who have been experiencing the effects of the virus for an extended period.

The highest profile of these is US actor Alyssa Milano, star of Charmed. She brought the issue to light by sharing a video demonstrating her hair loss to her 3.7 million Twitter followers. In the tweet, she pleaded for people to please take this seriously, using the tag #WearADamnMask.

https://twitter.com/Alyssa_Milano/status/1292540903047852034

So, if you experience this symptom, should you worry? Is it really linked to covid-19? And what can you do to fix it?

Does covid-19 cause hair loss?

A new report by the Indiana University School of Medicine conducted a Facebook group survey with over 1500 long-haulers. While it has not yet been peer-reviewed, it produced interesting results.

For example, the list of symptoms is far longer than what the NHS or US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) describe.

Of the 1500 participants, 423 reported hair loss. For context, loss of taste and smell were experienced by 375 and 460 of those surveyed, respectively.

So, while the study would need to be reproduced in a more official setting than a Facebook group, these initial results suggest the link isnt unfounded.

What should I do if I experience hair loss?

If you suddenly find your hair falling out, it can be extremely distressing. Official NHS guidelines explain that hair loss isnt usually something to worry too much about. However, if you are concerned, contacting your GP should be the first port of call, even during the pandemic.

Although hair loss is not yet classed as one of the main symptoms, you may also wish to be tested for the coronavirus. Anyone can now book a test through the gov.uk website and same-day slots are usually available at most drive-through test sites.

Can it be treated?

Thankfully, another report by the Cleveland Clinic has an explanation for this type of hair loss. Dr Shilpi Khetarpal, a dermatologist at the clinic, reports that the symptom is likely to be caused by telogen effluvium.

Telogen effluvium is a common dermatological manifestation of temporary hair loss from excessive shedding that usually disappears over time.

It is caused by a shock to the system. Usually, this could be surgery, major physical or psychological trauma, any kind of infection or high fever, extreme weight loss or a change in diet.

Long-haul suffering from covid-19 certainly classes as a shock to the body, and explains why patients who had the disease two to three months ago are now experiencing hair loss.

But what if it is permanent?

By all means, contact your GP and get tested. But try not to worry. As the Cleveland Clinic study suggests, hair loss related to the coronavirus is only temporary.

I have a personal history of this type of hair loss, unrelated to covid-19. Once the disease I was fighting no longer had a grip on me, it ceased to have a grip on my hair, too.

Feature image credit Gabriella Kania (FemaleHairLossReview.com)