Post COVID Alopecia areata Followed by Telogen Effluvium

Study from Japan Reminds us Multiple Hair Loss Types of Possible Following COVID Infection

A nice study from Japan published in the Journal of Dermatology reminds us that more than one type of hair loss condition can occur following COVID19 infection.

The authors reported a 47-year-old woman who developed alopecia areata and then telogen effluvium. She first experienced COVID related symptoms of sore throat, headache, and fever of 38.5°C. She went on to have a polymerase chain reaction test that was positive for SARS-CoV-2 and confirmed she had COVID 19. She was ultimately admitted to hospital due to persistent high fever and severe COVID related pneumonia.

Three weeks after discharge from hospital she experienced her first sings of patchy alopecia areata. The alopecia eventually improved but 13 weeks after COVID infection she developed a telogen effluvium. This too eventually stopped and regrowth occurred.

Comments and Discussion

This is a nice paper that reminds us that more than one hair loss condition can occur in a patient following COVID 19 infection. We need to be open to an array of possible diagnoses including alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, and anagen effluvium

REFERENCE

Kageyama R et al. A case of telogen effluvium followed by alopecia areata after SARS-CoV-2 infection. J Dermatol. 2022 Oct 7.