What to do if your hair starts falling out after recovering from dengue

Telogen effluvium is a type of hair loss related to an infectious process and physiological stress.

In the context of the current dengue epidemic, which causes strong symptoms related to physiological stress, such as fever, muscle and joint pain and skin rashes, many patients who recover from the disease, especially in the hemorrhagic form, can feel the consequences months after becoming ill – ea One of them is hair loss.

“Fever is a common symptom of dengue and has also been noted in Covid-19. It is already well documented scientifically that, a few months after having a high fever or recovering from an illness, many people notice hair loss. This condition is called Telogen Effluvium occurs when hair leaves the growth phase (anagen) and enters the shedding phase (telogen) early. Several factors can trigger telogen effluvium: various viral infections, such as Covid-19 and dengue,. surgeries, medications, starting or stopping contraceptives, emotional stress, restrictive diets, among others,” explains the doctor Lilian Brazilianmember of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology.

“Hair loss in these situations of infection and high inflammation is not a surprising phenomenon, it is generally noticed about three months after the person becomes ill,” he adds.

This type of hair loss scares patients, according to the doctor, as it can result in the loss of up to a third of the hair volume.

“The good news is that this process is usually temporary and resolves on its own. Approximately 85%-90% of a healthy person’s hair is in the anagen phase or active growth phase. The rest of the hair is in a resting phase, also known as the telogen phase. Hair loss is normal, as hair remains in the anagen phase for about two to four years, then passes to the telogen phase, where it falls out to be replaced by new ones,” says the doctor.

“In a condition called telogen effluvium, more strands of hair enter the resting phase, resulting in more hair loss, especially at the top of the scalp,” he adds.

A handful of hair is falling out

According to the specialist, patients report that handfuls of hair come out of their head when they shower or wash their hair.

“This hair loss can last 3 to 6 months. Most people then see a reduction in hair loss and their hair returns to normal. However, 10-20% of these patients may not improve spontaneously and require treatment. In such cases, it is worth going through a Request doctor to investigate other causes of hair loss and then treat them appropriately,” adds Lilian Brasileiro.

The disease can also worsen pre-existing hair loss. “If, for example, the patient already suffers from androgenetic alopecia, popularly known as baldness, this condition will be more pronounced and, consequently, more difficult to heal,” says the doctor.

Diet is part of the treatment. “It is important to invest in measures that accelerate this recovery process, such as investing in adequate nutrition, especially with foods rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals,” advises Lilian.

It is also possible to combine treatments to prevent hair loss from being even more prolonged and accentuated. “We can use, for example, specific tonics to control hair loss, as well as apply lasers and medications in offices to alleviate the problem. It’s also important to wash your hair regularly, as excess oil in the area can aggravate hair loss. Also avoid carrying out procedures that could worsen the problem, such as progressive brushing and dyeing”, recommends the doctor.

Finally, it is worth remembering that it is natural for some hair to fall out on a daily basis. “Worrying about hair loss is only necessary when the number of strands falling out per day is more than 100, if the volume of hair decreases significantly or if gaps begin to appear. And, if the patient experiences significant hair loss with or without other symptoms, the most important thing is to consult a doctor to undergo an evaluation and receive the appropriate diagnosis and treatment,” concludes Lilian Brasileiro.

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Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.