Doctors report that corona patients report severe hair loss • What causes hair loss, and most importantly: how to put an end to the phenomenon

• Severe hair loss

  Photo: 

  Ilan Margalit

Many Corona patients who have recovered report increased hair loss due to the disease. Dr. Helena Martinez, director of a hair clinic at Beilinson Hospital, notes that, “In recent months we have been approached by many patients and Corona patients who have reported a phenomenon of accelerated and significant hair loss. "This is a phenomenon among corona patients who had symptoms, and also among patients who were only found positive for the disease and did not develop symptoms."

"Unlike viral diseases such as influenza and others, in which there is hair loss, here the report is about hair loss occurring in parallel with the disease or shortly after, when the description is incessant hair loss. We started researching the subject, we interview patients, collect data and make sure the hair loss is unrelated. "For other problems, and indeed this is a phenomenon that is directly related to Corona. Later we will know if it is reversible and what it means."

Baldness and the appearance of thinning hair stress both men and women, and around the subject there is a large industry that offers a variety of treatments and solutions, some even without the approval of the Ministry of Health, which poses a health hazard and potential for irreversible damage.  

Dr. Eyal Wasoki, a senior specialist in skin diseases, sex and aesthetics, and developer of the HAPPY DERMIS product line says, “Any serious illness can cause temporary hair loss. In pneumonia, influenza, after surgery and also corona. There are a variety of different skin diseases of the scalp such as seborrhea, psoriasis, lupus, hair follicle diseases. Dropouts can be caused due to autoimmune diseases, infections, thyroid disorder, hormonal causes, pregnancy and childbirth, stress and pressure, various medications taken on a regular basis including antidepressants and steroids, deficiencies of zinc, iron, folic acid, vitamins and more. Therefore, it is necessary to make a correct diagnosis by a specialist who knows how to locate the cause of the dropout and give the most appropriate treatment. "

Datia Yaar, a scientific consultant at Altman, adds that diets, high cholesterol, anemia and poor nutrition affect dropout. "There is a link between the quality of nutrition and hair loss. When taking supplements, you should look for those that have salicylic acid, amino acids and MSM. As well as FERROCHEL iron and OPTIZINS that reduce digestive side effects and help improve absorption."

Dr. Wasoki adds that another reason lies in external factors such as drying and styling the hair using a comb, hair straighteners, hair straightening treatments, coloring and oxidation as well as various hairstyles that have hair stretching (high taut ponytail).

Technological treatments and methods to encourage hair growth

There are innovative solutions to treat the phenomenon. "There are now advanced hair transplant treatments with new hair thinning techniques, including a PRP technique that has been scientifically proven to be effective," says Dr. Wasoki. Injection of platelets into the thinned scalp area. The platelets secrete, among other things, growth factors that allow hair growth and thickening. "There is another new method of injecting stem cells into the scalp that causes follicle stimulation and hair growth. Here, too, it is advisable to consult specialist dermatologists before any treatment and checking that the treatments are approved by the Ministry of Health."

On the groundbreaking technology in the treatment of alopecia using stem cells - LIPOCUBE SVF explains Dr. Sarit Cohen, an expert in aesthetic plastic surgery, who heads the national center for iHair hair transplants. "At the beginning of the process, fat is harvested under local anesthesia from the abdomen or thigh. The fat is processed in the LIPOCUBE device, during which the stem cells are separated from the adipose tissue and injected into the scalp by a fine needle, "says Dr. Cohen." The treatment causes an increase in hair density and hair thickening after three months of series of injections. Male pattern baldness and thinning hair in women. "

Hair stylist Ilan Margalit states that it will not cause damage to the hair by using devices such as hair extensions and straightening by a professional while maintaining the right temperatures and the right frequency. "Exposure to chemicals and application of unsuitable preparations on the hair can cause hair loss, however since each has a different genetic load, it is difficult to know how a hairstyle or smoothing affects each and in what way and intensity will cause thinning or hair loss."

Margalit recommends checking with the barber what materials he uses. "Ask to see the approval of the Ministry of Health including smoothing and any other chemical before it is applied to the hair at the hairdresser. Improper application can damage the hair follicle and prevent hair regrowth. It also causes increased hair loss and raises the hairline backwards. "

The visual solutions that can be performed in a hairdresser for full hair look is by using hair extensions. "In a proper professional diagnosis, hair extensions do not impair the growth of natural hair that continues to grow underneath. Today, there are several types of extensions that give a uniform and full-volume look that blends perfectly with natural hair." 

As for hairstyles for blurring a thinning look Margalit says, "It is advisable to go for a sloppy and not too meticulous look, give the hair volume at the root. Change the position of the path that will force the hair to fall differently. You can also dry or comb the hair upside down from the top up. From the scalp and thus give volume. "

Idan Bar, hair stylist and ambassador for Schwarzkopf Professional Israel, offers visual solutions, "scattering shades in the hair creates the illusion of fuller hair. Women with thinning hair are advised to have a short haircut to reduce thinning compared to long hair."

To maintain the health of the hair, experts say, it is recommended to dry the hair by wrapping it in a towel and not wiping while rubbing. The hair should be combed over the brush and cut split ends. Massage the scalp well during the overlap to increase blood circulation and rinse the hair well at the end. When visiting the pool, wash your hair thoroughly after leaving the water and before entering the pool, wet your hair. Saturated hair absorbs less of the pool water.

The products that will help hair growth

Product: Scalp Genesis - Root Activating case , Schwarzkopf Professional

The package contains shampoo, serum and ampoules from the Root Activating series for thinning hair. The products with special formulas are intended for home use and treat thinning hair in three stages. Step 1- Shampoo, Step 2- Ampoules and Step 3 - Serum.

Price: NIS 399. Obtainable at barbershops, points of sale have a look at the Schwarzkopf Professional website.

Product: DENSI SOLUTIONS  - Vichy

Concentrated spray that helps renew hair mass to treat weak and thinning hair. The formula contains substances extracted from a Japanese plant.

Price: NIS 169, available at pharma chains and pharmacies.

Product: HAIR MAX device

A non-invasive home appliance built as a hair bow with flexible silicone teeth that has 41 medical laser models on the inside. The operation of the device is based on a process similar to photosynthesis in plants, in which the therapeutic light energy originating from a laser beam nourishes the hair follicle by stimulating oxygen and nutrients and encourages stronger growth. Use the device for three minutes for twice a week.

Price: NIS 2,495, available on the website www.HairMax.co.il

Product: Nioxin, Walla Professionals

A series of products for preventing hair loss and treatment of thinning hair with an emphasis on treatment and nourishment of the scalp. The kit includes shampoo + conditioner and spray for daily use on the scalp.

Price: NIS 240, available at select hairdressers.

Product: Minoxy Women

Solution for the scalp for daily treatment of baldness and hair loss on a hereditary background

Price: A savings package of NIS 217, available at the Super Pharm chain.

Product: Phyto Paris

Phytocyanin kit designed for women with thinning hair and includes 12 ampoules of herbal treatment serum to strengthen thinning hair for use once a week + shampoo.

Price: NIS 199, available at pharma chains.

Product: Alpsin

Caffeine-based shampoo to strengthen hair fiber and treat thinning hair.

Price: NIS 34.90, available at pharma chains.