Viruses That Cause Hair Loss

Hair loss can be caused by various conditions that pose a diagnostic challenge. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungal infection. Moreover, it could also be due to genetic, nutritional or hormonal problems.

Whatever the reason, it is important to know if the hair loss is temporary or permanent so it can be managed accordingly. That’s where understanding the cause of hair loss is significant.

In this article, we will look at different viruses that cause hair loss. We will cover whether they cause temporary or permanent hair loss and what treatment options are available.

• Bacterial diseases
• Fungal disease
• Hormonal disorders
• Genetic causes
• Nutritional problems
• Autoimmune disease
• Age related
• Stress
• Viral illness

However, viruses are generally less spoken of as a cause of hair loss. Yet, they are certainly capable of causing baldness which can be really troublesome for some people.

What Viruses Cause Hair Loss?

Some common examples of viruses that cause hair loss are:

• Shingles (herpes zoster)
• Scalp herpes (herpes simplex)
• COVID-19
• Human T cell Lymphotropic Virus-1 (HTLV 1)
• Epstein Barr Virus (EBV)
• Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• Cytomegalovirus
• Swine flu virus

These viruses can cause hair loss through different mechanisms, such as direct damage to hair or mostly indirect ways such as inflammation.

What Hair Loss Conditions Do Viruses Cause?

This less commonly discussed topic gained attention after people started noticing increased hair loss after COVID-19. Most evidence based research shows a connection between viral illnesses and hair health.

To know how viruses can affect hair loss, it’s important to first understand the normal human hair growth cycle.

Human Hair Growth Cycle

The human hair growth cycle consists of three main phases: the anagen phase, the catagen phase, and the telogen phase. Each phase plays an important role in the overall health and growth of hair. Let’s look at these phases in detail:

Understanding these phases is necessary because viral infections can disrupt this cycle, leading to various types of hair loss. Below, you can read about the types of hair loss that viruses can cause.

Telogen Effluvium

One such condition is Telogen Effluvium (TE), a non scarring alopecia characterised by acute severe shedding of hair. It can occur several months after the illness but is temporary and mostly reversible.

The normal growth cycle of hair gets interrupted due to a triggering illness, such as a viral illness, leading to more hair loss. Telogen Effluvium is associated with the third stage, hence the name. The first stage slows down and more than 30%, instead of the normal 15% of the hair, stays in the telogen phase.

Alopecia Areata

This is a commonly non-scarring form of hair loss caused by autoimmune conditions, including viral illness such as COVID 19.

Scarring Alopecia

This type of hair loss is caused by direct inflammation of hair follicles, leading to scars and permanent hair loss. It can be caused by viral illnesses like shingles or herpes zoster virus.

Frictional Alopecia

Also called traction alopecia, this is a non-scarring hair loss caused by frequent pulling of hair. It could be due to rubbing of scalp, external pressure like tight ponytails or self inflicted hair picking.

For example, in shingles excessive itch and burning cause repeated scratching, ultimately damaging the hair.

How Viruses Cause Hair Loss?

Viruses that cause hair loss have different mechanisms. Some viruses can directly damage the hair follicles, while others can indirectly increase inflammation in the body, which affects the hair health.

Look at the following table to identify how these viruses can cause hair loss by different mechanisms:

What Are The Symptoms Of Virus Induced Alopecia?

There are several symptoms that can occur after viral illnesses. These include:

• Hair thinning
• Hair shedding
• Bald patches
• Dry hair

There are some symptoms that are specific to the cause such as:

Herpes Simplex – Specific Symptoms

• • • Small painful bumps around hair follicles
    • Hair thinning
    • Scarring

Herpes Zoster (Shingles) – Specific Symptoms

• • • Rash on the scalp
    • Burning pain
    • Severe itching
    • Fever
    • Swollen lymph nodes
    • Fatigue

Alopecia Areata – Specific Symptoms

• • • Specific patches on the scalp with hair loss
    • Nail changes
    • Patches in other parts of the body

Just as virus illnesses are treated with symptomatic treatment and boosting the immune system, these methods can also help with hair loss. They will also minimize the common causes of hair loss, hair thinning or increased shedding.

Exercise

Start with mild exercises that promote health, such as walking, running, swimming or at home exercises. Try to do it for 30 minutes, at once or in episodes, atleast 5 days a week. You can adjust the intensity or duration as per your convenience.

This physical activity will boost your immune system and regenerative processes such as hair growth.

Diet

Nutrition is directly linked to hair growth. Dermatologists and hair stylists often recommend vitamins & minerals to enhance hair quality and growth. These include:

• • • Vitamin B7 (Biotin)
    • Vitamin D
    • Vitamin A
    • Iron
    • Zinc

You can obtain all the nutrients required for normal hair growth from the diet including milk, eggs, fish, nuts, vegetables and fruits. Moderate consumption of all types of foods is necessary for good hair health.

Stress Relieving Strategies

Stress negatively impacts human hair health. Reducing stress can be the only solution to boost overall health and help with overcoming stress related hair loss too. You can try yoga, breathing exercises, dancing or any activity that helps you manage your stress.

Hair Specific Precautionary Measures

Multiple hair hygiene tips can be useful before or after getting hair loss or other issues:

• • Good Hygiene

Regularly wash your hair and scalp to keep them clean and prevent bacterial, viral and fungal infections.

• • Don’t Share Personal Items

Towel, brush, oil applicator, hats, rubber bands etc, should be your personal items. It is advisable to keep hair supplies of your own and do not use anyone else’s especially if they have hair issues, to prevent the spread of contagious infections.

• • Scalp Protection

It is particularly useful in situations where your scalp comes in direct contact with potentially infected surfaces such as swimming, wrestling etc. A protective mask or hat can help avoid these infections.

• • Do Not Scratch

Scratching results in skin break in scalp tissue which becomes a perfect environment for bacteria to grow and spread infection. Avoid itching and use medical products to resolve the issue.

Medications For Virus-Induced Hair Loss

In most cases, the treatment or preventive measures mentioned above are enough. These can reverse hair loss over time. However, you can also consider medicines for hair loss:

• • Finasteride

A prescription drug for men with alopecia, taken as a daily pill. It also takes a few months to show effects. However, it can decrease sex drive and increase the risk of prostate cancer.

• • Minoxidil

A non-prescription drug used in liquid, foam and shampoo forms. Apply it directly on the scalp once or twice a day. It helps regrow hair or slow down hair loss, but may take around 6 months to be effective.

• • Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

A safe and effective treatment for hair loss. It involves drawing blood, placing it in the machine to separate it into blood cells and plasma. This plasma is then injected into the areas of the scalp that need baldness treatment.

The procedure takes around 10 minutes but needs to be repeated over a few months.