Hair loss post recovery is emerging as one of the lesser discussed side-effects of COVID-19. Here’s how to manage it
Malaika Arora had spoken about her hair loss while recovering from Covid-19. Pic courtesy/Instagram
Last October, actor Malaika Arora had famously spoken about her hair fall post recovering from COVID-19. This hair loss, experts say, typically begins after recovery, about six to eight weeks after the infection is detected. It can also be quite severe, with certain individuals losing up to 40 percent of their hair. “There is no evidence that the COVID-19 virus causes hair loss; the cases we are observing are of a condition known as Telogen Effluvium (TE). TE leads to temporary hair loss after stressful events and is known to occur after high-fever illnesses such as dengue, malaria and typhoid. In case of COVID-19, the hair shedding is linked to the stress and trauma of battling the infection,” explains Dr Niketa Sonavane, a cosmetic dermatologist at Ambrosia Aesthetics. TE is characterised by sudden hair shedding and you may notice clumps of your hair falling out especially while shampooing and combing.
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Be gentle: While washing your hair, massage your scalp in a gentle circular motion. Wash in a downwards direction instead of piling your hair up, in order to reduce tangles. Consider a haircut as trimming away dry ends may reduce tangles and pulling while combing. Also, avoid ingredients such as sulphates, parabens, alcohols, and artificial fragrance in your hair products. Steer clear of heat styling and chemical hair treatments such as hair spa and re-bonding.
Photo for representational purpose. Picture Courtesy/iStock
Eat right: Your daily diet should include adequate protein in the form of meat, fish, eggs, sprouted beans and nuts. A deficiency of iron is also linked to hair fall. Eat enough red meat, liver, jaggery, spinach and leafy vegetables. Vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K, found in foods such as broccoli, bell peppers and beetroot, can slow down hair loss.
Check for other health issues: The hair loss can be caused by a number of compounding reasons, including stress, a poor diet, weight loss, hormonal fluctuations, poor thyroid function, and deficiency of vitamins D3 or B12. These can also worsen the hair loss you are already experiencing. Consider seeking medical advice from a dermatologist or hair specialist.
Dr Niketa Sonavane
Supplement regularly: Antioxidants such as vitamins A, E and C fight oxidative stress and help your body heal faster. Biotin or vitamin B7 is important for producing keratin, a protein which forms the structure of your hair.
Seek medical intervention: If your hair loss is severe or continues over six months, seek help from your dermatologist. There are many FDA-approved medications and treatments that control hair fall effectively. Hair loss treatments such as PRP hair treatment and meso-therapy can further facilitate re-growth.
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