After Math of COVID Through Eyes of Tricoscopy

Abstract

Background: Across the globe from December 2019 until today (COVID -19) has rapidly spread causing pandemic. We have obsevered acute hair loss (TE) in intiating 3-4 months of post COVID infection. Telogen effluvium is a diffuse, non scarring shedding of hairs, resulting from the early entry of the hairs into the telogen phase. Classic TE is self limited and acute, defined as lasting less than 6 months. Trichoscopy is a simple and non invasive technique that can be performed with both handheld dermatoscope and digital videodermoscopy system. Trichogram is simple minimally invasive rapid and economic technique for measuring hair follicle activity. Objective: To assess hair loss occurring after COVID-19 infection. The aim of our study is to assess hair loss occurring after COVID-19 infection using trichoscopy and trichogram to investigate the possible findings related to COVID 19 infection. Materials and Methods: Prospective, observational study included 80 patients with post COVID TE. Results: Out of 80 patients, hairpull test was positive in 63%. Trichogram parameters showed positive telogen effluvium in 70 patients (as the rate was more than 20%) with anisotrichosis. Conclusion: In the current era, SARS-CoV-2 infection should be suspected in a patient who presents with acute TE. This study shows some variations in the trichoscale as hair density had significantly decreased in 70 patients. Dermoscopic features suggested of peripilar sign, yellow dots, anisotrichosis and perifollicular scaling as the diagnostic criteria.