To date doctors do not believe an infection with the Coronavirus does not directly make your hair fall out; however, stress can.
The medical term for stress-induced hair loss is telogen effluvium.
During telogen effluvium, there is a higher proportion of hair that can prematurely enter the resting phase of the hair cycle (called telogen). It can be upwards of 50 percent.
When this hair is then shed, it can seem like it comes out in clumps and this can be very stressful.
Under extreme stress or when fighting an illness, a portion of one’s hair will enter a resting phase to conserve energy for more essential functions. Certainly, having a COVID-19 infection, or even the concern of catching it, can be a major stressor.
If you are experiencing this, you are not alone. More patients are seeing me with cases of COVID-related, stress-induced hair loss. Fortunately, this hair loss is reversible.
After the stressor is resolved, the hair will slowly return to its normal cycling, and will eventually regrow. If you are concerned it is best to see your board certified dermatologist.