Post-dengue hair loss treatment and everything else to know
Dengue outbreaks are common in many parts of the world, and Singapore is unfortunately one of the hot spots with a significant number of cases every year.
Many of us may already be familiar with symptoms of dengue fever, which includes prolonged fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, rashes, nausea and vomiting, and mild bleeding.
You may even have heard about long-term side effects such as continuous joint and muscle pain after a patient recovers from dengue fever, but did you know that hair fall is also a post-dengue symptom that many experience?
Introduction to Dengue Fever and Its Aftereffects
What is dengue fever?
Before we go into detail about post-dengue hair loss treatments, let’s first understand what exactly is dengue fever.
Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus and is transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito.
After an individual is bitten by an infected Aedes mosquito, symptoms will usually develop after an incubation period of four to seven days.
There are four variants of dengue virus, which means it is possible to get infected up to four times. Typically, first-time infections are rather severe, particularly if the infected patient is a high-risk individual such as an elderly or someone with a pre-existing medical condition.
However, in up to 75% of infections, the infected person is actually asymptomatic. But this doesn’t mean that they won’t be subjected to post-dengue side effects such as hair loss.
What is post-dengue hair loss?
How Dengue Fever Affects the Body
The body's immune response to dengue fever can be intense, affecting various systems, including the integumentary system, which comprises the skin and hair. The stress from fighting the virus can disrupt normal bodily functions, leading to side effects like dengue hair loss.
The Connection Between Dengue Fever and Hair Loss
What is Post-Dengue Hair Loss?
During and after recovering from dengue fever, many patients said that they notice their hair falling out gradually. These are usually individuals who haven’t experienced significant hair fall prior to this health episode and many are perplexed and worried when the side effect occurs.
Causes of Hair Loss After Dengue
Post-dengue hair loss is classified medically as a form of “telogen effluvium”. This is a type of hair loss caused by scalp disorder due to drugs, trauma, and stress.
There are many possible reasons that doctors have identified as to why dengue fever causes hair loss.
Our hair follicles, found under our scalp, contain many blood vessels, which transport essential nutrients to support hair growth.
During a dengue infection, the body is unable to supply sufficient nutrients to the hair roots, and the hair follicles have to tap on the nutrients stored within the hair follicles in the meantime. Once this supply is used up, hair follicles start to decline, leading to excessive hair fall.
Another reason could be due to the patient’s inability to care for his/her scalp during the time of recovery.
As prolonged fever is a prominent symptom and patients usually feel extremely weak and fatigued before they fully recover, many may give up on proper hair care, causing follicles to clog, and aggravating hair loss, especially if the patient is already susceptible to it.
Finally, anxiety and stress that the patient feels during and after infection can also have an effect on his/her scalp and hair health. Cortisol, also known as the “stress hormone” that’s produced when an individual faces stressful situations, is one of the culprits that can cause hair shedding.
Telogen Effluvium and Its Mechanism
One primary cause of hair loss post-dengue is telogen effluvium. This condition occurs when a significant stressor, such as dengue fever, disrupts the normal hair growth cycle, pushing more hair follicles into the resting (telogen) phase. This results in noticeable hair shedding several months after the initial illness.
Role of Stress and Nutritional Deficiency
Stress and nutritional deficiencies play crucial roles in hair loss after dengue. The physical and emotional stress of battling the illness, coupled with a potential lack of essential nutrients during recovery, can exacerbate hair shedding. Adequate intake of vitamins, minerals, and proteins is vital for hair growth and overall health.
Duration and Prognosis of Post-Dengue Hair Loss
Post-dengue hair loss usually starts one to two months after you recover from dengue fever. Typically, it can last six to nine months, but there are patients who complain that its effect lasts even longer.
Expected Recovery Timeline
The recovery timeline for post-dengue hair loss varies among individuals. Typically, hair loss begins two to three months after recovering from dengue and can last for up to six months. Most individuals see improvement within a year, as the hair growth cycle gradually returns to normal.
Factors Influencing Recovery
Several factors influence the recovery from dengue hair loss. These include the severity of the initial illness, overall health, diet, stress levels, and adherence to recommended treatments. Personal health habits and genetic predispositions can also affect the recovery pace.
Effective Treatments for Post-Dengue Hair Loss
To replenish the nutrient supply to the blood vessels in your hair follicles, load up on nutrients that are known to support hair growth such as iron, vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, and biotin.
These nutrients can be found naturally in foods such as broccoli, salmon, eggs, walnuts, and grains.
Increasing intake of these nutrients don’t just help strengthen hair, support hair growth, and prevent hair fall, they are also great for replenishing your nutrients to improve your overall health after recovering from dengue fever.
Medical Interventions and Medications
Topical Treatments and Their Benefits
Topical treatments like minoxidil are commonly recommended for hair growth treatment. They stimulate hair follicles and promote regrowth, but consultation with a healthcare provider is essential to determine the best treatment.
Oral Hair Growth Supplements and Their Role
Did you know that our hair is the fastest growing tissue in our body? This is why it needs a lot of nutrition in order to flourish.
The pesky problem is that our hair is also considered a non-vital part of our body so nutrients from our regular diet are typically routed to core functions of our lungs, heart, liver, and other major organs first, before going to our hair.
So while it is still important to adopt a healthy diet, taking in foods that we mentioned in the previous pointer, the nutrients that you consume may not be directed towards your hair eventually.
A good way to ensure that you’re getting sufficient hair-growing nutrition is to start taking a hair growth supplement that contains essential nutrients that can boost your hair growth.
If you’re looking for a trusted hair supplement as a post-dengue hair loss treatment, MIRIQA® Hair is here for you.
Made with a proprietary blend of nutraceutical ingredients, MIRIQA® Hair has won several awards and has been featured on many well-known media platforms.
Ingredients used in the supplement are botanical for added safety and reduced side effects, and at the same time have been proven to work scientifically.
One of the key ingredients used in MIRIQA® Hair is the Saw Palmetto Berries. This botanical ingredient is known for inhibiting DHT, a hormone that damages hair follicles and causes hair loss.
MIRIQA® Hair also contains Tocotrienol and Tripeptide Collagen, which improve nutrition deficiencies – something that you’ll need after the dip in hair-growing nutrients when you’re going through dengue fever. On the other hand, Keratin Forte and Biotin are found in the supplement to strengthen structural building blocks essential for healthy hair and nails. These are especially important for individuals who are suffering from lower metabolism after falling sick for a while.
Those who have tried MIRIQA® Hair report positive results and have been making recurring orders for it. While results are usually seen after six months, there are users who say they have experienced positive results after three to four months.
If you’re looking for a clinic-exclusive post-dengue hair loss treatment, opt for MIRIQA® Hair Extra Strength.
This supplement is fortified with two other ingredients not found in MIRIQA® Hair: Curcumin Bio-max and KSM-66 Winter Cherry.
Curcumin Bio-Max is a proven ingredient that blocks DHT and activates hair stem cells to transit from resting (telogen) to growing (anagen) phase.
KSM-66 Winter Cherry, on the other hand, strengthens your resistance against stress as it has the ability to reduce cortisol (stress hormones) levels. This is an ingredient that addresses the problem of stress after recovering from dengue fever; something that you don’t typically find in regular hair supplements.
You’ll be happy to know that thousands of users who have tried MIRIQA® Hair noticed positive results. Results are usually seen after six months, but there have been users who say they started seeing hair growth results after just three to four months. The results, of course, vary according to an individual’s condition and genetics.
100% drug-free MIRIQA® Hair is generally safe for everyone above 18 years old to consume. Nonetheless, check with your doctor if you’re concerned about allergies or conditions you’re unsure about, before consuming any supplements.
Homeopathic and Alternative Therapies
Homeopathy for Hair Restoration
Homeopathic remedies are considered an alternative therapy for hair loss treatment. These treatments focus on stimulating the body's natural healing processes, with varying evidence of effectiveness.
Natural Remedies and Their Efficacy
Natural remedies, including essential oils and herbal supplements, are popular among those seeking holistic approaches to hair restoration. Rosemary oil and biotin supplements are common choices, though their effectiveness can differ from person to person.
Lifestyle Changes and Self-Care Practices
Dietary Adjustments to Support
To replenish the nutrient supply to the blood vessels in your hair follicles, load up on nutrients that are known to support hair growth such as iron, vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, and biotin.
These nutrients can be found naturally in foods such as broccoli, salmon, eggs, walnuts, and grains.
Increasing intake of these nutrients don’t just help strengthen hair, support hair growth, and prevent hair fall, they are also great for replenishing your nutrients to improve your overall health after recovering from dengue fever.
Hair Growth
Essential Nutrients: Vitamins, Minerals, Proteins
To support healthy hair growth, it's important to ensure your body receives the right nutrients. In our formula, we focus on two key nutrients that contribute significantly to hair health:
- Tocotrienol (Vitamin E): Tocotrienol is a potent form of Vitamin E with strong antioxidant properties. It helps protect hair from damage caused by environmental factors, reducing oxidative stress on hair follicles and promoting healthy hair growth.
- Biotin (Vitamin B7): Biotin is a crucial B-vitamin that plays an essential role in hair growth. It supports the production of keratin, a key protein that makes up hair, and helps maintain overall scalp health, leading to stronger, healthier hair.
Foods to Avoid and Include
Certain foods can negatively impact hair health, particularly those high in sugar, trans fats, and refined carbohydrates. These foods can lead to increased inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and nutrient deficiencies, all of which can contribute to hair loss. Avoiding the following can be beneficial:
- Sugary Foods: High sugar intake can spike insulin levels, leading to hormonal imbalances that can trigger hair thinning.
- Processed Foods: Foods high in unhealthy fats and preservatives can increase inflammation and negatively affect hair health.
- Refined Carbohydrates: Foods like white bread, pasta, and pastries can cause blood sugar spikes, potentially leading to hormonal imbalances that impact hair growth.
Proper Hair Care Techniques
If you have been neglecting your hair care routine during your recovery period, it’s time to step it up.
Start by using a suitable shampoo and conditioner and wash your hair at least once a day. Include a scalp scrub if you want to enhance your routine; this helps get rid of impurities that clog your hair follicles. Remember, a clean scalp is a healthy scalp.
A scalp massage that you can learn and do it yourself at home can also improve blood circulation, helping your blood vessels route nutrients through the blood to your hair follicles.
Gentle Handling and Proper Hygiene
Proper hair care is essential, especially when dealing with post-dengue hair loss. Handling your hair gently and maintaining good hygiene can prevent further damage and promote healthier hair growth.
- Gentle Handling: When dealing with fragile, shedding hair, it’s crucial to be gentle in your daily hair care routine. Avoid aggressive brushing, especially when your hair is wet, as wet hair is more prone to breakage. Use a wide-toothed comb or a brush designed to minimize breakage, and start detangling from the ends, working your way up to the roots.
- Proper Hygiene: Keeping your scalp clean is vital for healthy hair growth. Wash your hair regularly with a mild shampoo that suits your scalp type to remove dirt, excess oil, and any product buildup that could clog hair follicles. However, avoid over-washing, as this can strip the scalp of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.
- Scalp Care: Incorporating a scalp massage into your routine can help stimulate blood circulation, which promotes the delivery of essential nutrients to hair follicles. Use your fingertips to gently massage your scalp in circular motions for a few minutes each day. This practice not only improves scalp health but can also be a relaxing way to reduce stress.
Avoiding Harmful Hair Treatments
Certain hair treatments and styling practices can exacerbate hair loss and damage your hair further. It’s essential to avoid these to protect your hair during the recovery period.
- Harsh Chemical Treatments: Chemical treatments like perming, relaxing, bleaching, or frequent dyeing can weaken hair strands and lead to significant hair damage and breakage. If you’re experiencing post-dengue hair loss, it’s best to avoid these treatments until your hair has fully recovered.
- Excessive Heat Styling: Using hot tools like straighteners, curling irons, and blow dryers can cause heat damage, leading to dry, brittle hair that is more prone to breakage. If heat styling is necessary, always use a heat protectant spray and keep the temperature settings as low as possible.
- Tight Hairstyles: Hairstyles that pull on the hair, such as tight ponytails, buns, or braids, can cause tension on the hair follicles, leading to a type of hair loss known as traction alopecia. Opt for looser styles that do not strain your scalp.
Psychological Impact and Support
As stress is one of the causes of post-dengue hair loss, managing it will be one of the post-dengue hair loss treatments to consider.
Cut yourself more slack in the months after your recovery and indulge in hobbies that relax you. Whether it’s yoga, painting, or cafe-hopping with friends, these stress-reducing activities can certainly help reduce your cortisol levels, which can help support hair growth.
1. Coping with Emotional Stress and Anxiety
Managing emotional stress is important for overall health and hair recovery. Activities such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness can help reduce anxiety and improve outcomes.
2. Support Groups and Counseling
Support groups and counselling provide emotional relief and practical advice. Sharing experiences with others facing similar challenges can be comforting and informative.
Preventative Measures and Long-term Care
Strategies to Prevent Future Hair Loss
Preventative measures for hair growth treatment Singapore include maintaining a balanced diet, managing stress, and avoiding harsh treatments. Regular check-ups with healthcare providers can monitor hair health.
Maintaining Scalp and Hair Health
Long-term care involves using mild shampoos, avoiding excessive heat styling, and regularly massaging the scalp to stimulate blood flow. These practices support overall hair vitality and prevent future issues.
Start Your Journey to Hair Recovery!
While dengue fever can indeed have a detrimental effect on your hair, there are several methods you can try to reduce hair loss, keep your scalp healthy, and even encourage hair growth.
If you need more tips on boosting hair growth, check out our articles where we share about hair loss treatments in Singapore that are medically proven to work and how to choose a hair supplement that works for you.
