Coronavirus is a complex infection that while in the vast majority of cases presents itself as asymptomatic or with mild symptoms can also be severe, life threatening and a death sentence to others. As well as a slew of obvious side effects such as a high fever, fatigue, dry cough and difficulty in breathing as cases increase and more long term studies are done on survivors, other peculiar and bothersome aftermaths associated with contraction of Coronavirus are starting to emerge. Some of these include loss of taste and smell, mental fog and confusion, eye problems, gastrointestinal issues and hair loss.
HAIR LOSS AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH THE CORONAVIRUS
Our hair is our crowning glory and is related to our self esteem and confidence. Sudden hair loss can be alarming and unfortunately this is emerging as a relatively common side effect in those that have had the Coronavirus. It is important to remember that all over hair loss of which the medical term is telogen effluvium can be caused by many factors including genetics, age, hormonal imbalances, medications, other health conditions and stress. Experts believe that telogen effluvium is emerging as a physical and emotional stress response in relation to the Coronavirus caused by high fever, illness or weight loss of more than ten kilos. These symptoms are commonly associated with the virus.
SYMPTOMS OF TELOGEN EFFLUVIUM MORE PREDOMINANT AS THE PANDEMIC CONTINUES
Many doctors are expecting hair loss symptoms to emerge at this point in the Pandemic. Hair loss typically presents itself within three to six months after a physical or emotional stress and while distressing is not fatal and generally should start to improve after the hair has gone through a cycle of rejuvenation. Most doctors agree that the hair usually grows back and the condition is not permanent.
HOW TO HANDLE THE DISTRESS OF HAIR LOSS.
The most significant thing that people in this situation can do is to get their stress under control. This can be challenging in the face of not just being infected with the Coronavirus and the other unpleasant side effects it can unleash but also the stress triggers caused by other detrimental elements such as financial limitations, isolation, and job loss which can result in exacerbated levels of depression and anxiety which in turn increases stress levels and aggravates and extends the amount of hair loss. Meditation and Yoga are constructive practices which can help bring perspective to the situation and help your body to slow down and slow the stress response which in turn will help your body and your hair to heal.
EVERYTHING IN LIFE IS TEMPORARY
If we also look at the fact that every experience in life whether good, bad, fantastic, painful or any other emotive element is only short term we can gain perspective on what we are going through and accept that it is just another situation in life we are experiencing. If we can achieve this we will be able to let go of the negative connotations associated with the problem and accept the ups and downs of life with humility and courage. Hair loss is annoying and can be scary but in the majority of cases it will pass and present itself as a relatively short term aggravation. In the meantime be sure to also feed your body nutritional foods rich in Iron and Vitamin D and try to relax.