The adverse effect of COVID-19 on mental and physical conditions of even those who have not had the infection is well known and documented. Currently, problems such as hair loss are fast emerging as one of the common side effects of this pandemic.
Multiple studies have confirmed that hair fall is an after-effect of COVID-19. Patients are also reporting hair loss because of stress caused because of the impending corona threat.
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%u201CHair loss post-Covid usually begins two or three months after the patient gets recovered from Covid-19. Noticeable hair loss usually starts after an average of about 55 days post-recovery. Hair loss happens due to fever because of infection, diet changes, stress due to isolation, financial worries, or fear of losing the job.
%u201CThis hair loss is known as telogen effluvium. This condition is a temporary form of hair loss and is often seen in corona patients because of the shock that the body sustains resulting from fever and other symptoms. We have seen around 20 patients with such hair fall recently,” said Dr. Debraj Shome, Cosmetic Surgeon & Director, The Esthetic Clinics.
For Dr. Rinky Kapoor, Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetic Dermatologist & Dermato-Surgeon, The Esthetic Clinics, %u201CThe hair goes into the resting phase sooner than nature intends and this results in clumps of hair in your hairbrush.%u201D
%u201CThe hair fall usually occurs from all across the scalp. COVID-19 is not the only reason that can cause this type of hair fall other factors such as changes in diets, weight loss, sudden hormone changes, and iron deficiency can further accelerate this process. Telogen effluvium is a temporary condition, which improves in about three to six months post-onset of hair loss,%u201D added the doctor.
So what%u2019s the solution?
Dr. Kapoor said that one needs to %u201Crelax, take a deep breath, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and let the recovery take its course.%u201D
%u201C The sooner you say goodbye to stress the soon hair shedding with stop. Include few minutes of mediation and breathing exercises in the daily schedule. Switch to a rainbow diet i.e., include loads of colorful seasonal vegetables and fruits such as spinach, lettuce, oranges, figs, and capsicum. in your daily diet.
%u201CMake an exercise routine that is a mix of cardio, strength training, and yoga. Get a good night%u2019s sleep and avoid hair styling products and treatments. Follow a gentle hair care routine and use products that suit your hair type. Take iron and Vitamin D supplements after consulting your doctor for restoring hair health.%u201D
Dr. Shome added that %u201CIf the hair loss is accompanied by itching or flakiness in the scalp then go to a hair specialist for specific treatments.%u201D
%u201CModern treatments such as the USA patented QR678 hair fall therapy, and medical treatments can rejuvenate hair follicles towards health. QR 678 helps curb hair fall and increases the thickness, number, and density of existing hair follicles, offering great coverage to the ones with hair loss. It is a non-invasive, non-surgical, safer, and affordable procedure%u201D said Dr. Shome.
