Factors Associated with Acute Telogen Effluvium and COVID-19 Infection

Faryal Nawab; Farina Zameer; Salman Ahmed; Tooba Hanif; Nimrah Sarwar Awan; Shahwaiz Aman

doi:10.70749/ijbr.v3i2.756

Authors

Faryal Nawab Department of Community Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.
Farina Zameer Department of Dermatology, Sohail Trust Hospital, Jinnah Medical and Dental College, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.
Salman Ahmed Jinnah Medical and Dental College, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.
Tooba Hanif Jinnah Medical and Dental College, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.
Nimrah Sarwar Awan Jinnah Medical and Dental College, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.
Shahwaiz Aman Jinnah Medical and Dental College, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70749/ijbr.v3i2.756

Keywords:

Covid-19 Infection, Co-morbidities, PCR, Positive, Nutritional Supplement, Telogen Effluvium

Abstract

Telogen effluvium, a common type of hair loss, has emerged as a concerning side effect for many individuals recovering from COVID-19. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Dermatology Outpatient department of Sohail Trust Hospital, Karachi to determine frequency and factors associated with Acute telogen effluvium and COVID-19 infection. We enrolled 100 Covid 19 PCR positive patients between January to July 2022 after taking informed consent. This study employed a semi-structured self-administered questionnaire for data collection. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 25. The Chi-square test was utilized to assess the association between Telogen Effluvium and COVID-19 infection. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with the development of Telogen Effluvium. Results: Our findings revealed that 64% of female participants experienced Telogen Effluvium following COVID-19 infection. Diabetes emerged as the most prevalent co-morbidity among these patients. The temporal region was the most frequently affected scalp area (32%), followed by complete hair loss observed in 31% of cases. Participants who did not supplement their diets were significantly more likely to experience severe hair loss. Notably, 34.6% of individuals with hair loss reported that other family members also developed hair loss post-COVID-19. Within our study population, only 7% sought professional treatment for their hair loss. Conclusion: This study demonstrates a high prevalence of Telogen Effluvium among female COVID-19 survivors, with diabetes as a significant risk factor, highlighting the need for increased awareness and accessible treatment options for this undertreated condition.

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