Telogen effluvium and COVID-19: a cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, is a febrile illness impacting multiple organs, including the skin.
• Acute telogen effluvium (TE) is a common, non-scarring hair loss triggered by stressors, with COVID-19 emerging as a significant factor.
• Increased scalp hair shedding has been observed in patients post-COVID-19 infection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of COVID-19 on hair health.
• To determine the relationship between COVID-19 infection and the incidence of telogen effluvium (TE).
• To assess public awareness of TE in the Asir region of Saudi Arabia.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study utilizing a pre-validated questionnaire.
• Involved 1,000 participants aged 20+ from the Asir region, who had COVID-19 and no prior history of TE.
• Statistical analysis with a two-tailed alpha level of 0.05.

Main Results:

• 73.3% of participants experienced increased hair loss after COVID-19; 30.5% reported pain when combing.
• Hair loss post-COVID-19 was significantly higher in females (77.3%) and those with scalp pain (86.5%).
• Only 10.9% of participants demonstrated good awareness of TE, with higher awareness linked to younger age and family history of TE.

Conclusions:

• COVID-19 infections are strongly associated with TE in both sexes, predominantly affecting females.
• The overall awareness level regarding post-COVID-19 TE is poor among the study population.
• Further research and public health initiatives are needed to address hair loss concerns post-COVID-19.