Best Ways to Revive Your Skin and Hair Post Covid-19 Recovery

Covid-19 takes a toll on your physical and mental health. And if you have been infected with the virus, you know that a negative report is not the end of it. The road to recovery is a long one and often fraught with challenges. Not only do you have to put up with severe exhaustion and other bodily aches but your skin and hair massively suffer leading to chill blains, urticaria and rashes on skin and hair loss. Dr Ameesha Mahajan, dermatologist and skin care specialist, RM Aesthetics, Amritsar, tells you how Coronavirus affects your hair and skin and how you can deal with it in the post recovery period. 

Hairfall: When you get infected with Covid or any other serious disease, your body undergoes a lot of stress that affects our hair. “Scientifically this is called Telogen Effluvium, which means that there is excessive shedding of the resting or telogen hair due to some shock to the body. The shedding of hair typically occurs in large clumps and is often more while combing or showering. The symptoms can occur 2-3 months after Covid,” explains Dr Ameesha. The period in which you shed hair can last up to 6-9months. However, the good news is that slowly the hair will return to the growing phase. “Avoid oiling your hair during this phase as that can further increase hair fall as the roots are weak. Take hair supplements and apply hair serums with peptides to accelerate the hair growth,” she advises.

Extreme dryness: Experiencing extreme dryness post Covid is common. The skin can feel rough and may even peel off. “Make sure to use a gentle soap/cleanser followed by thick moisturising creams at least 2-3 times a day to relieve the symptoms,” says Dr Ameesha. Dry skin tends to get itchy, so the best way to get rid of it is to apply thick creams followed by oil application to seal in the moisture. Stay away from anti-bacterial soaps and cleansers as they can be harsh on your skin.

Acne: Post your recovery, you might see acne or rashes on your skin. “It’s advisable to get back to your anti-acne medication once your symptoms are better. If possible, its best to continue with the anti-acne medications that you apply topically and skip the oral medicines till you have consulted a doctor,” suggests Dr Ameehsa.

Darkening of the skin tone: This is a common side effect post viral infections and usually subsides on its own. Use of moisturiser and mild depigmenting creams can help in improving the skin tone faster. “The immediate darkening will improve on its own within days to months. Taking foods rich in anti-oxidants and skin supplements also helps. Severe pigmentation can be related to medicines used in Covid and should be treated under a dermatologists guidance,” says Dr Ameesha.