Post COVID Alopecia in the Indian Subcontinent - A Harbinger of Disease Severity

Anshitha  Vurimindi Kadudas; Tina Priscilla  Katta; Neha Gala; Anu Mohandas; Manmohan Gavvala; Rishita Pogula; Sai Rashmitha Pagadala; Anvi K. Reddy; Spurthi Subramanyam

doi:10.5826/dpc.1504a5417

Post COVID Alopecia in the Indian Subcontinent - A Harbinger of Disease Severity

Authors

Anshitha Vurimindi Kadudas Apollo Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Apollo Health city Campus, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana, India https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7035-8713
Tina Priscilla Katta Department of Dermatology, Venereology, Leprosy Apollo Institute of Medical sciences and Research, Apollo Health city Campus, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1819-3694
Neha Gala Department of Psychiatry, Apollo Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Apollo Health city Campus, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana, India https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6064-3321
Anu Mohandas Department of Community Medicine, BGS Medical College and Hospital, Adichunchanagiri University, BGS Vijnatham Campus, Nagarur Bengaluru, Karnataka, India https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8911-6760
Manmohan Gavvala Department of Dermatology, Venereology, Leprosy Apollo Institute of Medical sciences and Research, Apollo Health city Campus, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana, India https://orcid.org/0009-0000-7942-7477
Rishita Pogula Apollo Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Apollo Health city Campus, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana, India https://orcid.org/0009-0000-5414-7823
Sai Rashmitha Pagadala Apollo Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Apollo Health city Campus, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana, India https://orcid.org/0009-0000-8327-7993
Anvi K. Reddy Apollo Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Apollo Health city Campus, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana, India https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2682-5919
Spurthi Subramanyam Apollo Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Apollo Health city Campus, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana, India https://orcid.org/0009-0009-2720-2255

Keywords:

Alopecia , Post-COVID hair loss , COVID-19 , Stress

Abstract

Introduction: As the pandemic plateaus, post-COVID alopecia is resurfacing in India. COVID-19 remains a pivotal cause of alopecia, and the diagnosis of post-COVID alopecia aids in better treatment outcomes.

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of post-COVID alopecia and to evaluate the association between alopecia and COVID severity among other factors.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among patients admitted to the COVID ward. Patients willing to participate were asked to fill in a pretested semi-structured questionnaire, and the PSS-10 (Perceived Stress Scale) was used to evaluate stress. Data were analyzed using the SPSS version 24.

Results: Prevalence of COVID-19-induced hair loss was 37.8%. Age, sex, COVID severity, and higher stress were the significant factors, with p-value <0.05. Female sex, COVID severity, and high stress levels came to be significant independent predictors of hair loss. A majority of participants (46.9%) noticed hair loss within three months of contracting the disease.

Conclusion: This study stands to be a pioneer project to investigate the prevalence of COVID-19-induced alopecia in India. The prevalence rate of 37.8% with a significant association with severity of COVID-19 highlights the importance of reviewing patient history to provide proper treatment and reassurance.

Author Biography

Anu Mohandas, Department of Community Medicine, BGS Medical College and Hospital, Adichunchanagiri University, BGS Vijnatham Campus, Nagarur Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

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