New Onset of Hair Loss Disorders During the Coronavirus Disease 2019Pandemic: A Korean Nationwide Population-Based Study
- Author:
Youngjoo CHO
1
;
Ji Won LIM
;
Yi Na YOON
;
Chang Yong KIM
;
Yang Won LEE
;
Yong Beom CHOE
;
Da-Ae YU
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Annals of Dermatology 2025;37(4):250-258
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:An increased incidence of hair loss disorders has been noted among patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and individuals vaccinated against COVID-19. However, research involving large populations on this topic is lacking.
Objective:To investigate the risks associated with developing hair loss disorders in patients with COVID-19 and individuals vaccinated against COVID-19.
Methods:This nationwide, population-based, cross-sectional study included patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and healthy individuals without a history of COVID-19 infection registered in the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2021. COVID-19 infection and vaccine databases were integrated using this NHIS database. The odds ratios of hair loss disorders were compared using multivariate logistic regression models.
Results:COVID-19 infection was associated with an increased risk of total alopecia (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.076; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.002–1.156), although this association was not significant after propensity score matching. No significant associations were found between COVID-19 infection and alopecia areata or telogen effluvium. However, COVID-19 vaccination was positively correlated with total alopecia (aOR, 1.266; 95% CI, 1.191–1.346), alopecia areata (aOR, 1.243; 95% CI, 1.154–1.339), and telogen effluvium (aOR, 1.495; 95% CI, 1.133–1.974).
Conclusion:COVID-19 vaccination was positively correlated with hair loss disorders but not COVID-19 infection. However, given the advantages of vaccines in reducing COVID-19 mortality and morbidity, alopecia may be relatively reversible and less severe. Physicians need to understand the benefits and possible side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine.
