F0 from hair loss to baldness, the doctor shows how to fix it

I have recovered from Covid-19 for 20 days, but my hair is falling out a lot, to the point of balding on both sides. Could you please tell me if my hair loss is so much because my health is too weak and what can I do to fix it?

(Reader Linh An, Hanoi)

1. Hair loss and causes related to Covid-19

Temporary hair loss may appear after an illness or fever. Meanwhile, fever is a fairly common symptom in patients with Covid-19. Within a few months of having a high fever or recovering from illness, many people notice a lot of hair loss. This phenomenon is scientifically known as Telogen effuvium. Most people notice noticeable hair loss 2 to 3 months after a fever or illness, which can last 6 to 9 months, usually stops and returns to normal. If you experience a rash, itchy skin, or burning that causes hair loss, you should see a dermatologist.

When infected with Covid-19, there are many causes of hair loss such as:

– High fever, fatigue, related to immune response: Decreased body’s immune system, increased inflammation, itchy scalp causes a lot of scratching, so F0 should not abstain from bathing.

– Stress: Due to the long isolation causing anxiety, stress, no one to share and encourage, the body produces anti-stress hormones that are harmful to the hair, hair, and nails (vascular constriction, tight holes). pores reduce hair nourishment).

– Poor nutrition: F0 fatigue causes loss of appetite, loss of taste and smell, digestive disorders cause anorexia, this reduces nutrients to nourish hair.

– Poor scalp hygiene: Due to misconceptions about abstaining from bathing, shampooing causes itching and inflammation, scalp fungus, causing hairline breakage.

– It is possible that some drugs to treat Covid-19 cause hair loss such as the anticoagulant enoxaparin (note that do not arbitrarily buy anticoagulants without consulting a doctor).

– Severe Covid-19 infection causing multi-organ damage, liver failure, kidney failure… or comorbidities.

2. Direction of handling

– Change your lifestyle accordingly:

+ Gentle exercise: This helps blood circulation, increases pore dilation and sweat to help nourish the hair, hair, and nails system.

+ Bathing and washing hair scientifically: When bathing, it is necessary to use warm water of 30-35 degrees Celsius (not too cold and too hot), do not shower when you have a fever or your body is too weak and tired. For children, you should use warm water to wipe your body when you have a fever, loosen clothes. Shower and wash your hair every other day (to help you feel comfortable and optimistic). Shower and wash quickly for about 5-10 minutes (do not shower too long to cause cold). You should bathe in a sheltered place, if there is a heater, it is a good thing (do not heat with a honeycomb brazier; electric lights ensure that the height is not too far or too close to be dangerous). After bathing, you should dry your body and wear loose clothes, dry your hair with medium wind speed and dry it at a warm enough distance.

+ Reasonable diet

Protein supplement: is the basis of the hair, hair and nail system

Supplement with vitamin H (in peanuts, almonds, walnuts, whole grains, cauliflower, broccoli…); B vitamins (in eggs, milk, beef, legumes…) and omega-3s (mackerel, salmon, herring, tuna…). Among them, miotin is a B vitamin often recommended in relation to hair problems. A biotin deficiency can cause thinning hair, and some have suggested that biotin supplements can thicken hair and stimulate growth. Biotin can come from medicinal preparations or hair care products. However, the simplest way to get B vitamins is from foods rich in B vitamins such as mushrooms, wheat, egg yolks, and legumes.

+ Use shampoos: Avoid shampoos with inappropriate PH, less detergent properties.

– During the recovery period, you should limit procedures such as dyeing, curling, drying, steaming (heat is too hot), do not tie your hair too tightly, or catch a bun.

Reduce unnecessary stress and anxiety (reducing stress hormones is an important factor in reducing hair loss and graying).

If your hair loss persists for more than 6 months or if you have any other symptoms such as patchy hair loss, itching, or other irritation, you should see a dermatologist.

Dr. Vu Thi Ha (Member of the group of Doctors consulting F0 treating at home)