Acute telogen effluvium: A post-COVID-19 sequela

Abstract

Background: Telogen effluvium (TE) is characterized by an abrupt onset of diffuse and self-limited shedding of normal club hairs, usually seen 2–3 months after a triggering event. One of the manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 has been new-onset diffuse hair loss in patients previously infected with it, clinically compatible with TE. Thus, the present study attempts to establish hair loss as one of the sequelae of COVID-19 infection. Objective: The objective of the study was to find out the presence of hair loss in COVID-19 infection-recovered patients during the second wave of the pandemic. Materials and Methods: Google Forms was prepared with relevant questions regarding COVID-19 infection, the presence of hair loss, and aggravating and relieving factors, if any. These forms were distributed to 114 COVID-19-positive patients above 18 years of age who were diagnosed with COVID-19 infection during the second wave, and the data were collected and analyzed. Results: Out of 114 participants, majority were female. 83.8% of the participants had significant viremia symptoms. Seventy-two percent of the patients complained of hair loss. Among them, 66.7% of the patients noticed worsening hair loss after 3 weeks of COVID-19 infection, 21.7% noticed within 2–3 weeks of infection, and the remaining 11.7% noticed the same within a week of infection. 50.1% of the patients had associated stress and 12.3% had comorbidities. Conclusion: The onset of TE after COVID-19 further impairs the quality of life of patients despite recovery from the primary illness. Identifying COVID-19 infection as a potential cause of hair loss will help in educating the patients about the transient nature of the condition.