covid-19 hair loss post recovery

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, some patients experience hair loss 2-3 months after recovering from COVID-19. Telogen Effluvium is a temporary form of hair loss. It increases the number of hair follicles in the telogen (shedding) phase by more than 50%. Those who experience telogen effluvium show signs 2-3 months after a traumatic event, like the COVID-19. Researchers believe the “shock” the virus has caused to the body’s immune system is causing this hair loss post recovery. The virus itself may not be causing the hair loss, but the stress and trauma it wreaks on the body is the culprit. 

Telogen Effluvium Caused By COVID-19 

Telogen effluvium is debatably the second most common form of hair loss in both men and women. Other forms of hair loss manifest in concentrated parts of the scalp. Telogen effluvium appears as a diffused thinning all over the scalp. Typically, the crown loses more hair than the sides and back of the head. The hairline is not usually impacted. Telogen effluvium does not cause total and permanent hair loss. 

Understanding TELOGEN EFFLUVIUM Hair Loss Post COVID-19

In order to understand telogen effluvium, it is best to first have a understanding of how a “normal” head of hair works. The average person has 120,000 to 150,000 strands of hair on the scalp, and sheds an average of 100 hairs a day. These hairs shed following a resting period of three to four months, after a several-year-long growth cycle is complete. Different hairs are in different stages of the growth cycle at different times. However, if you suffer from telogen effluvium a disproportionate number of hair follicles shift suddenly into the resting (catagen) stage. This usually results in the shedding of a large number of hairs within a short period of time. 

Causes: 

• Stress
• Deteriorating Health
• COVID-19
• Childbirth 
• Medications 
• Vaccinations 
• Crash Dieting
• Keto Extreme Dieting
• Vitamin Deficiency
• Trauma

Treatment for Hair Loss Post COVID-19

The treatment for telogen effluvium can depend on the cause. Most cases of telogen effluvium can be waited out, as they will resolve themselves.

Treatment options may include:

• Hair and Scalp Stimulation
• Growth Factor + Microneedling
• Scalp Injections
• Topical Peptide Treatments
• Natural Supplements + Topicals
• Low Level Laser Therapy 
• Dietary Changes

*A multi-therapeutic approach will always be the best option to help the scalp and hair return to normal.

PepFactor Scalp

PepFactor Scalp is an advanced scalp and hair health treatment formulated with the world’s first and ONLY authentic basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) combined with Copper Peptides. This natural formulation works to offer regenerative properties for hair regrowth. Pepfactor works quicker than other growth factor or plasma treatments. This treatment stimulates collagen and heals tissue surrounding the hair follicles, which in turn improves hair and scalp health to regenerate hair. Most patients see results within the first few weeks after the first treatment. Results are best when done in a series and results may vary between individuals.