Family Healthcast: Hair loss due to pandemic stress

HASTINGS, Neb. (KSNB) - For many Americans there have been plenty of surprising side effects to navigating life in the midst of a pandemic, weight gain, trouble sleeping, even depression.

And now some are discovering another unexpected issue: hair loss. Many people are starting to notice more hair in their drains, brushes and even hair falling out in clumps.

It turns out, they're not alone.

Dermatologist Dr. Sandra Lee says more of her patients are complaining of sudden, startling hair loss.

"It's really scary for men and women when they see their hair falling out," said Lee.

A recent Tiktok struck a nerve with millions when Dr. Lee explained what it’s called and what’s causing it.

"If maybe three to six months ago you know that you experienced a pretty stressful event, whether it be physical or mental stress that that you went through, than it's likely the reason for the hair loss."

Dr. Lee said for this type of hair loss, vitamins, new shampoo or any other dubious miracle cures it won't help. If it's stress related it should get better, in time.

"Try your best to not get too stressed out about it, because that's not going to help things and it's just part of a normal pattern of your body's response, your hairs responses to stress," said Lee.

If it is telogen effluvium, Dr. Lee said you should see short new hairs emerging where your old hair was falling out.

If you don’t, she said to see your dermatologist to check for other causes.

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