Post COVID Hair Loss

Months after recovering from COVID-19, many people find that their hair is falling out in large clumps. Temporary hair loss is normal after a fever or major illnesses. Fever is a common symptom of COVID-19. A few months after having a high fever or recovering from an illness, many people see noticeable hair loss. While many people think of this hair loss, it’s temporary hair shedding. The medical name for this type of hair shedding is telogen effluvium. It happens when more hairs than normal enters the shedding (telogen) phase of the hair growth lifecycle at the same time.

Most people see noticeable hair shedding two to three months after having a fever or illness. Handfuls of hair can come out when you shower or brush your hair. This hair shedding can last for six to nine months before it stops. Emotional stress can cause temporary hair shedding. Emotional stress due to the infection can also force more hairs than normal into the shedding phase. Again, the hair shedding begins about two to three months after the stress starts. While seeing your hair fall out in clumps can add to your stress, it’s important to try to de-stress. Only when the stress ends will the excessive hair shedding stop. Take a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Take vitamin supplements for the healthy growth of hair. You just have to give it time. Most people see their hair regain its normal fullness within six to nine months.

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