Can dengue cause hair loss? Expert explains how the disease affects hair

Most people who have had dengue fever have one common complaint: hair loss.

According to Dr. Cynthia Petitti, a specialist in hair and scalp diseases, dengue fever can indeed cause hair loss, but this usually occurs about 3 months after the illness. The reason is our body’s response to the inflammatory process caused by dengue fever, which can unleash the hair cycle, and due to the pathophysiology of the disease, there is also a decrease in vitamin and mineral levels.

The increase in daily hair loss is called telogen effluvium, when the hair leaves the growth phase (anagen) and enters the shedding phase (telogen) prematurely. Several factors lead to telogen effluvium: various viral infections, surgeries, medications, starting or stopping birth control, stress, and restrictive diets, among others.

The doctor tells us that hair loss, in most cases, lasts three to six months and improves on its own, but it is good to be aware. If you notice that your hair loss does not improve, Dr. Cynthia’s advice is to seek out a doctor who specializes in trichology/trichology to perform specific tests, including digital trichoscopy, to get a correct and definitive assessment of your treatment and diagnosis. “Yes, it needs treatment. And from the inside out!” the doctor confirms.

advice

Dr. Cynthia also gave us some tips to help reduce the risk of falling. Are they:

• Always stay hydrated! Drink more water!
• follow a balanced diet
• Beware of stress and
• Don’t be afraid to wash your hair! Keeping it clean is essential!

Hair loss

Hair loss is normal! A healthy person loses between 50 and 200 strands of hair per day. According to researchers from the University of Washington and Johns Hopkins University in the United States, searches for the term “hair loss” on the Internet increase during the summer and fall, which coincides with the findings of previous studies on hair loss in humans.

Turn on the alarm when you notice more intense shedding. Watch your pillowcase, your clothes, and even your floor! If you notice a large amount of hair falling out every day, it’s time to see a doctor!