COVID-19 IS 'CAUSING HAIR LOSS'

Coronavirus survivors have revealed how they are suffering extensive hair loss triggered by the illness.

Eva Proudman, of the Institute of Trichologists, which specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the hair and scalp, told FEMAIL they could be experiencing telogen effluvium, a 'shedding' condition triggered by a number of potential factors.

Among them is a continuous high temperature like those experienced by some Covid-19 patients, as well as childbirth, trauma or illness, stress, extreme weight loss, medications, or a skin condition affecting the scalp.

Eva said: 'Generally with a normal growing and shedding cycle for your hair, around 85 per cent of your hair is the growing phase with 15 per cent either resting, shedding or moving back to regrow.

'However with telogen effluvium this can effectively switch, leaving a very thin covering of hair on the head. Fortunately, with correct diagnosis and treatment, a good recovery can be obtained.'

Grace Dudley, 30, a mother of one from Romford, Essex, spent almost a fortnight in hospital after contracting Covid-19 from her father, who later died of multiple organ failure caused by the virus.

More than a month after she was discharged, Grace, a make-up artist, began to notice her hair falling out in large clumps, seemingly without reason.

'I woke up and noticed it was on my pillow and thought, "that's not good",' she said in an interview with FEMAIL. 'Every time I brushed my hair it was falling out and it's still happening. I've lost about 55 per cent of my hair every day and I'm losing more.'

Grace was told by an expert that her hair loss was linked to Covid-19. According to Grace, the trichologist said the severe hair loss had been triggered because the body had been so close to death that it had began to 'shut down' follicles on her head in a bid to conserve energy for essential functions.

Meanwhile, others have taken to Twitter to share their experiences of hair loss weeks and even months after the initial symptoms of Covid-19 have passed.