The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many aspects of health, including hair-related issues. While COVID-19 is mostly known for its severe lung and heart symptoms, it can also cause skin problems, sometimes as the first sign of infection. The stress and anxiety caused by the pandemic have led to increased hair loss, as these emotional reactions can push hair from the growth phase (anagen) to the shedding phase (telogen). Additionally, COVID-19 can worsen hair loss conditions like androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, and telogen effluvium by affecting certain genes involved in hair growth.
Telogen effluvium
Telogen effluvium (TE) is a common type of hair loss in women, often triggered by stress, illness, malnutrition, hormonal imbalances, or medications. Hair loss in TE is usually diffuse, affecting less than half of the hair, and occurs about 2–3 months after a stressful event. It can sometimes resolve on its own but can become chronic if it lasts more than six months. TE results from a disruption in the hair growth cycle, where the growth phase shortens, and more hair enters the shedding phase prematurely, leading to noticeable hair loss. This condition can cause significant anxiety and impact mental health, often leading to increased stress and worry about hair loss.
Telogen effluvium (TE) can be triggered by factors like fever, severe infections, and nutritional deficiencies, all of which are common in COVID-19 patients. It's important to look at how often TE occurs in these patients, as studying the skin-related symptoms of COVID-19 could help assess the disease's severity.
Telogen effluvium (TE) is a type of widespread hair loss that happens weeks after a stressful event. It can be triggered by factors like infections, emotional stress, surgery, poor nutrition, or certain medications. These triggers cause hair to stop growing prematurely and start shedding. TE usually resolves on its own, and it rarely causes scarring.
Post-COVID Hair Loss. What Sets It Apart and Why It Matters?
In recent years, post-COVID telogen effluvium (TE) has emerged as a prominent form of hair loss, attracting considerable attention from researchers and healthcare professionals alike. While various illnesses can induce hair loss, COVID-19 presents unique challenges and complexities that make it stand out.
Why is COVID-19 Different?
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Genetic Impact: COVID-19 significantly affects the body by interacting with the transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) gene, which plays a crucial role in androgen pathways. This interaction may exacerbate hair loss conditions like androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium.
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Psychological Stress: The psychological toll of the pandemic, including increased stress and anxiety, influences neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, and hormones. These changes can disrupt the hair growth cycle, pushing hair follicles prematurely into the telogen (resting) phase.
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Cytokine Storm: COVID-19 often triggers a severe immune response known as a cytokine storm, leading to the destruction of cellular matrices in the hair follicles. Elevated levels of interferons during this storm can contribute to the development of telogen effluvium.
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Blood Supply Disruption: The virus can reduce anticoagulant proteins, leading to the formation of microthrombi ( tiny blood clots) and blocking blood flow to hair follicles. This impairs the delivery of essential nutrients and oxygen required for healthy hair growth. These factors may contribute to TE after a COVID-19 infection
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Additional Factors: Hospitalization during the pandemic often involved malnutrition and reduced scalp hygiene, further exacerbating hair loss. High fevers, a common symptom of COVID-19, can also damage delicate hair follicle cells.
Addressing the Challenges
To effectively combat post-COVID hair loss, it’s crucial to address these multifaceted factors. A comprehensive approach that considers genetic, psychological, immunological, and physiological impacts is essential for successful hair regrowth. Understanding the unique ways in which COVID-19 influences hair loss helps us better manage and treat this condition, paving the way for more effective interventions and improved patient outcomes.
In summary, the study highlights that TE is a significant and often delayed result of COVID-19, influenced by both the illness and associated treatments. It underscores the importance of recognising this connection to better manage patient care and expectations.
Addressing post-COVID hair loss requires a multifaceted approach, especially from a trichological perspective. Effective home care plays a crucial role in managing and mitigating hair loss caused by factors such as malnutrition, hospitalisations, chemotherapy, and other stressors.
Here are key strategies to support hair regrowth and scalp health at home:
1. Nutritional Support
- Address Malnutrition: Ensuring proper nutrition is foundational. Patients should focus on a balanced diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Immediate nutritional support and hydration are critical, alongside supplements to correct any deficiencies. Proper nourishment aids in the overall health of the hair and scalp. Targeted supplementation - that is what we aim for.
2. Home Care Products
- Scalp Care: Incorporate products designed to maintain scalp health. Use hair loss Prevention shampoos, such as ATP oxygen equilibrium shampoos, and scalp peels like Dermo Capillary mask to remove dead skin and manage the scalp’s microbiome and pH balance. These products prepare the scalp, making it more receptive to active ingredients.
- Proscience Ampoules: Consider using specialised ampoules from Proscience+, which are formulated to address hair loss from various causes, including post-COVID TE, hospitalisations, chemotherapy, and malnutrition.
3. Stimulation Treatments
- Capillary Cellular Therapy: Add capillary cellular therapy to your routine. This treatment enhances blood circulation to the scalp, which is crucial for nourishing hair follicles and promoting hair regrowth.
- Royal Jelly Hair Loss Treatment: Use Royal Jelly treatments, rich in active ingredients, to further nourish and stimulate hair follicles, supporting healthy hair growth.
4. Scalp Massage
- Enhance Blood Flow: Regular scalp massages can significantly improve circulation, helping to bring blood flow to the hair follicles. This practice not only promotes relaxation but also supports the delivery of nutrients to the scalp, fostering a healthier environment for hair growth.
Trichological Treatments for Optimal Hair Restoration
When addressing hair loss, particularly conditions like telogen effluvium (TE) and androgenetic alopecia, professional trichological treatments offer a comprehensive approach to stimulate hair growth and rejuvenate the scalp. Here's an overview of some advanced treatments available in a specialized clinic:
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Carboxytherapy: This innovative treatment uses carbon dioxide injections to rejuvenate the epidermis and dermis. By stimulating stem cells in the hair follicle and creating new blood capillaries, carboxytherapy enhances nourishment to the hair follicles, promoting the growth of healthier, stronger hair.
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Injectable Treatments:
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma): This established therapy involves injecting a concentration of platelets from the patient’s own blood into the scalp to encourage hair growth and repair damaged follicles.
- QR678 Neo®: A cutting-edge treatment, QR678 Neo® is showing promising results in clinical trials. Though it requires more research, it has demonstrated superior outcomes compared to PRP in many cases, offering an advanced option for those seeking enhanced results.
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Oxyinfusion: This treatment infuses active ingredients into the scalp using high-pressure air. Preceded by a cleansing and preparation process that removes dead skin cells, manages the scalp microbiome, and optimizes pH levels, oxyinfusion allows for deeper penetration of nutrients, ensuring they reach the hair follicles effectively.
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High-Frequency Therapy: Utilizing electrical currents, high-frequency therapy stimulates blood flow and sanitizes the skin. This treatment revitalizes the scalp, enhancing circulation and creating an optimal environment for hair growth.
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Microneedling: A minimally invasive procedure that uses fine needles to create micro-injuries in the scalp. This stimulates the hair follicles and epidermis, promoting hair regrowth by encouraging stem cell activity and improving blood circulation. Microneedling is particularly effective for TE, alopecias, and baldness.
Each of these treatments is administered by a qualified trichologist, ensuring personalised care and effective results. By combining these advanced therapies, we can address various causes of hair loss and provide a tailored approach to rejuvenate your hair and scalp.
Comprehensive Trichological Treatments: Tailored Solutions for Optimal Hair Restoration
Effective hair restoration begins with a thorough understanding of each patient’s unique needs. Before embarking on any treatment, it is crucial to perform a comprehensive trichological diagnosis. This involves a detailed trichoscopy examination and an in-depth client interview. Here’s how each step ensures that the treatment plan is specifically tailored for optimal results:
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Trichological Diagnosis: This foundational step involves a detailed assessment of the scalp and hair condition. A trichologist evaluates various factors such as hair density, follicle health, and scalp condition to identify the root cause of hair loss. This diagnosis is essential for developing a targeted treatment plan.
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Trichoscopy Examination: Using advanced imaging technology, trichoscopy allows for a close-up view of the scalp and hair follicles. This examination provides valuable insights into the health of the hair follicles, the presence of any scalp abnormalities, and the overall condition of the hair growth cycle.
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Client Interview: An in-depth interview with the client helps to gather important information about their medical history, lifestyle, stress levels, and any recent changes or treatments. This holistic view ensures that the treatment plan considers all factors influencing hair loss and allows for personalised recommendations.
Implementing these home care strategies and treatments perform by qualified specialist can greatly complement professional treatments and improve outcomes for those struggling with hair loss. By addressing nutritional needs, utilising effective products, and incorporating supportive treatments and practices, patients can enhance their hair regrowth journey and overall scalp health.
Please note: The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you have any serious health issues, are taking medications, or have concerns about your health, please consult your GP or a medical advisor.
Source: Prevalence of tellogen effluvium hair loss in COVID-19 patients and its relationship with disease severity.
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