What is Telogen Effluvium?
Telogen effluvium is the second most common hair loss condition that dermatologists diagnose. Hair growth in follicles occurs in three phases: Anagen (the active phase), Catagen (the transitional phase), and Telogen (the resting phase). The majority of follicles are in the anagen phase and they actively grow hairs for two to six years. During the catagen phase, the growth stops and the hair becomes known as a “club hair” before entering the telogen phase. The last phase – the telogen phase – is when hair loss typically takes place.
Telogen effluvium is a condition in which follicles that should be in the anagen phase are forced into the telogen phase due to some kind of shock. Triggers that can lead to telogen effluvium include:
- Acute or Chronic Illness – especially when there is a fever
- Childbirth
- Surgery
- Psychological Stress
- Accidents
- Certain Medications
COVID and Telogen Effluvium
It is understandable why COVID hair loss is being linked to telogen effluvium. One of the main symptoms related to COVID has been the presence of a fever, which can force hair into the telogen phase prematurely. In addition to the fever, COVID can cause strain and stress on individuals, which also can trigger telogen effluvium. This hair loss isn’t immediate, however. Most cases have reported hair loss happening two to three months after the trigger event, or in this case after COVID.
How Much Hair Loss is Normal?
Though seeing hair fall out is a concerning event for many, it is actually a natural occurrence. On average, a person will lose around 100 hairs a day. Most people won’t notice this amount, which is why the increase from telogen effluvium is often concerning to them. Contact a physician if you are worried or notice more hair loss than normal. A doctor will be able to assess if the hair loss is normal or related to another condition of the patient.
Is COVID Hair Loss Permanent?
Telogen effluvium is self-correcting. This means that once the trigger event has been addressed and removed, hair growth should begin again. COVID hair loss isn’t permanent, and in time, the hair that fell out from the stress or illness will grow back naturally. There isn’t a specific treatment to telogen effluvium, though there are things you can do to support hair growth:
- Be gentle with your hair. Avoid over-handling, combing, or brushing hair.
- Maintain a nutritious diet that includes vegetables, fruit, and plenty of protein. If there is any kind of nutrient deficiency, you can take supplements in addition to your diet.
Though COVID hair loss isn’t permanent, some conditions linked to hair loss can have permanent results. At Robotic Hair Rx, our goal is to get your hair back in its prime. We use the most advanced hair restoration methods and technology to deliver natural-looking results that will last. If you’re ready to start your hair journey and gain a newfound confidence, contact us today!