Post-COVID Telogen Effluvium by Deša Tešanović Perković

Recently, the number of patients with acute telogen effluvium (ATE), among other forms of hair loss, has increased in comparison with previous years. The COVID-19 pandemic, taking place during this period, may be the cause of this phenomenon. The exact mechanisms by which this virus causes hair loss are not entirely understood; still, the most likely cause is an excessive release of proinflammatory cytokines during SARS-CoV-2 infection. This process can trigger the development of telogen…

Acta Dermatovenerol Croat. 2022 Dec;30(4):220-226.

ABSTRACT

Recently, the number of patients with acute telogen effluvium (ATE), among other forms of hair loss, has increased in comparison with previous years. The COVID-19 pandemic, taking place during this period, may be the cause of this phenomenon. The exact mechanisms by which this virus causes hair loss are not entirely understood; still, the most likely cause is an excessive release of proinflammatory cytokines during SARS-CoV-2 infection. This process can trigger the development of telogen effluvium (TE) by damaging hair matrix cells. Additionally, the psychosocial condition of patients recovering from COVID-19 will have deteriorated, contributing to hair loss. Based on data collected until now, post-COVID TE is expected to improve without any treatment. Although there is no specific treatment for post-COVID TE, eliminating psychophysical stress, managing systemic complications, and explaining the course of the condition to the patient will potentially improve and speed up the hair recovery process.

PMID:36919388

Read More