Does the Omicron variant cause hair loss?

The exponential increase in those infected by the Omicron variant has caused a large part of the population to experience unusual symptoms. One of those that is being talked about again with this new variant is the one already known as hair loss by Covid-19. But, Does the Omicron variant cause hair loss or can it be due to other reasons? We will tell you!

Is it true that the Omicron variant can cause hair loss?

The answer is yes, our medical equipment ensures the Omicron variant causes hair loss once the disease is overcome. However, it is necessary to clarify that it is not an exclusive effect of this new variant, but since the pandemic began, many people, especially women, have already experienced this symptom.

Hair loss due to Covid-19 is not a type of alopecia as such, but is due to a phenomenon known as telogen effluvium. This usually occurs after overcoming the disease and can last up to 9 months, although it is usually more noticeable after the first two months after infection.

Said telogen effluvium is sudden and diffuse hair loss, that is, it does not affect a specific part of the scalp but rather occurs at a general level. This can occur for different reasons, among which is hair loss due to Omicron.

Does the hair lost due to Omicron recover?

One of the characteristics of telogen effluvium is that hair loss is reversible. In this sense, the hair that has been lost by Ómicron does recover and in most cases without the need to resort to treatment.

Although it is true that the Omicron variant causes hair loss, we must bear in mind that this is not the only factor that can trigger hair loss. It is advisable to control this fall as it could be due to another pathology. 

Factors that differentiate hair loss due to Covid from alopecia

To avoid confusing a telogen effluvium with alopecia, it is important to know the main aspects that differentiate them. Below we will tell you what are the factors that must be taken into account to distinguish hair loss due to Covid from alopecia.

No hairless areas

When a person suffers from telogen effluvium, they experience intense hair loss, but do not see areas without hair. However, one of the main characteristics of alopecia is that it causes the appearance of hairless areas, since the hair that has fallen out does not grow back.

density loss

The most obvious symptom of a telogen effluvium due to Covid-19, in addition to noticing a more intense fall, is the loss of density.

Alopecia, although it can begin with a loss of density, most often it also occurs with the appearance of bald spots. This is the determining factor between one capillary pathology and another.

new hair growth

Despite noticing a possible lack of density, in case of suffering from telogen effluvium we will be able to appreciate that new hair is growing. That is, even though the hair falls out, the hair follicle is not affected and thus the hair grows back.