COVID-19-induced hair shedding and related risk factors: A Saudi perspective.

INTRODUCTION: Many cases of telogen effluvium (TE), acute hair shedding, following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were reported during the pandemic.

METHODOLOGY: We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess the relationship between COVID-19 and TE in Saudi Arabia. Self-administered online questionnaires were distributed online between March and September 2022 in Saudi Arabia. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to determine risk factors associated with TE post-COVID-19 (significance at P < 0.05).

RESULTS: Of the 703 responders, 392 were included in the study. 59.70% ( n = 234) recognized hair shedding during or after COVID-19. The time taken to realize hair shedding (3 or 6 months) and the duration varied (3, 6, >6 months). The risk factors significantly related to TE post-COVID-19 were: female sex ( P < 0.001, odds ratio [OR] = 2.98), COVID-19 antiviral treatment ( P = 0.032, OR = 3.02), and TE history ( P = 0.001, OR = 3.78).

CONCLUSION: Healthcare providers and physicians should be aware of the relationship between TE and COVID-19, to easily recognize, treat, and improve their patients' outcomes).