l What are the causes, how long does it last, what solutions are there
Hair loss after COVID is a common phenomenon in those who have gone through the infection and show symptoms even a few months after healing.
Dyspnoea, cerebral fog, arrhythmia, myocarditis, kidney problems and blood clots are among the effects of infection with the new coronavirus that can persist for a long time, even 6-9 months. Hair loss after COVID is mainly caused by psycho-emotional stress that marks the transition to infection. But the cytokine storm can “cause” this phenomenon of hair loss both during the infection, but especially after.
If your hair falls out in tufts, very abundantly, over 300 strands a day, it is very possible that this is a reaction of the body as a result of going through the disease, especially if you had a moderate or severe form. With patience, without panicking, following a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, having a quality sleep and exercising daily, you will be able to overcome this problem.
Intense stress leads to hair loss after COVID
After a period of intense stress, both emotionally and physically, there is a phenomenon called telogen effluvium, which consists of sudden and abundant hair loss. This phenomenon can be triggered by going through COVID disease, but also by birth, major surgery, rapid weight loss. It should be noted, however, that the effects of this strong stress can be felt even at 3-4 months apart, so they do not appear immediately, but at a certain distance from the stressor. For this reason it is sometimes difficult to determine the cause of hair loss. Affected people mistakenly believe that a recent event is to blame for hair loss, when, in fact, a strong stress felt several months ago, as is the case with coronavirus infection, may actually be at the root of the problem. According to doctors, hair loss after COVID occurs due to insufficient oxygenation of the follicle, fever during the disease, but also high levels of inflammation in the body, factors that interrupt regeneration and predispose to thinning and hair loss.
A study published in The Lancet showed that the long-term effects (6-9 months) felt by patients who had been diagnosed with coronavirus infection and needed hospitalization included: fatigue, exhaustion, muscle weakness, sleep disorders, anxiety. , depression and hair loss. Nutritional deficiencies (especially vitamin B12 and D – essential for skin and hair health) on the background of unbalanced diet due to lack or distortion of smell and taste – a phenomenon called parosmia – can also be possible causes of hair loss after COVID.
How to combat hair loss after COVID
In order to reduce the number of hairs that have fallen out and contribute to its regeneration, it is advisable to take certain measures that are mainly aimed at the diet.
The diet should be rich in quality protein, vitamin D, B12, iron, zinc, biotin, antioxidants and amino acids, nutrients that help regain immunity and, implicitly, have a beneficial effect on hair.
You find such nutrients in foods such as lean chicken, turkey, fish, liver, mushrooms, berries, eggs, nuts, seeds, sweet potatoes, bananas, greens.
It also takes into account the following recommendations:
– Use paraben-free and sulfate-free shampoos
– Avoid using too much conditioner or hair oils
– Avoid hair straightener, curler, wax, hairspray
– Drink 2 liters of water daily
If you are experiencing hair loss after COVID, do not hesitate to seek the advice of a dermatologist, who can recommend special products to stimulate hair growth and increase its resistance.
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