Telogen Effluvium Following Coronavirus Disease-2019 Infection: A Retrospective Study of 113 Cases.

BACKGROUND

Telogen effluvium (TE) is self limiting diffuse hair loss occurring 3-4 months after a triggering event. There is scarcity of data on TE as possible sequelae of COVID-19.

METHODS

We assessed 113 cases of TE occurring after SARS-CoV-2 infection as a retrospective study.

RESULTS

Most of the patients belonged to the age group 18-30 years and were females (85.8%). Most of the patients (92%) had acute TE. The median duration of hair loss was 2 months. Trichodynia and pruritus were the common associated complaints. Hair pull test was positive in 54.9% patients. Trichoscopy showed short regrowing hairs in 61.2% patients and empty hair follicles in 77.9% patients. Ferritin, vitamin D and Vitamin B12 deficiency was seen in 27.4%, 38.1% and 20.4% patients respectively. TE was seen more commonly with symptomatic COVID infection (93% patients).

CONCLUSION

TE occurring after SARS-CoV-2 infection calls for assessment of micronutrient deficiency, as there appears to be an association between COVID-19 infection and nutritional deficiency. Although acute TE is the most common presentation, relapse in chronic TE might also occur as sequelae of COVID-19 infection.