Is Dengue Causing Hair Fall? | Best Tips to Prevent Hair Loss

The onset of dengue fever brings about a significant strain on the body’s immune system. As it battles the virus, the body’s nutritional reserves are redirected towards recovery, often leading to deficiencies. Hair, being a non-essential tissue, is one of the first areas to suffer. This can manifest as telogen effluvium, a condition where stress disrupts the normal hair growth cycle, causing increased hair shedding.

Preventing mosquito bites and thereby dengue is the first step in protecting your hair health. Consider these strategies:

• Use Mosquito Repellents:

Consistently apply repellents to minimize the risk of bites.

• Protective Clothing:

Wearing long-sleeved clothes can reduce skin exposure to mosquitoes.

• Maintain a Clean Environment:

Ensure no stagnant water around your home and use mosquito nets or screens for added protection.

If you contract dengue, these steps can help mitigate hair loss:

• Hydration is Key: Ensuring adequate fluid intake with water, coconut water, and ORS solutions aids in recovery and supports hair health.
• Balanced Nutrition: A diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals is vital. Incorporate leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and fruits like berries to support your hair.
• Manage Stress Effectively: High stress levels can exacerbate hair fall. Practices such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can be beneficial in maintaining mental calmness.

For those experiencing hair fall post-dengue, these home remedies might prove helpful:

1. Aloe Vera Gel: Apply directly to the scalp and let it sit for about 30 minutes before rinsing. Aloe vera is known for its soothing properties, which can reduce scalp inflammation and nourish hair follicles.
2. Onion Juice: Rich in sulfur, onion juice can enhance collagen production necessary for hair growth. Apply it to the scalp, leave for 15-20 minutes, then wash off to boost blood circulation.
3. Coconut Oil Massage: Regular massages with warm coconut oil can strengthen hair follicles and improve scalp health. For best results, leave the oil on overnight.
4. Amla Powder: Amla, or Indian gooseberry, is packed with Vitamin C and antioxidants. Mixing amla powder with water to form a paste can promote collagen production, which strengthens hair roots and fosters growth.

If home remedies are insufficient, it might be beneficial to seek clinical treatments:

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy:

This involves injecting nutrient-rich plasma derived from your blood into the scalp to nourish and stimulate hair follicles.

Mesotherapy:

This painless treatment involves injecting vitamins, minerals, and amino acids directly into the scalp to promote healthy hair growth.

Medications:

With a dermatologist’s guidance, treatments like minoxidil can be used to encourage hair regrowth.

If hair fall persists despite home remedies and initial treatments, consulting a dermatologist or hair specialist in Pune becomes essential. They can perform a thorough examination, possibly using hair trichoscopy, to determine the underlying cause and suggest a personalized treatment plan.