An Ayurvedic protocol for the management of Post Covid-19 Hairfall w.s.r Telogen Effluvium - A Single Case Study

Abstract

Hair loss can be caused by genetics, age, hormonal imbalances, other health conditions, medication and, of course, stress. Whenever any person experiences severe infection, hair fall is not an unusual after-effect. An overwhelming number of people are reporting severe hair fall post Covid infection. Covid or any viral illness/ fever forces more hair into the shedding phase due to the inflammation and stress in the body, which is called Telogen effluvium. Covid-19 being a new disease, we did not expect to find an exactly matching description in the classical ayurvedic texts. Hair fall has been described in Ayurveda by the name of Khalitya Roga under the heading of Kshudra Roga (minor disease) or Shiroroga (diseases of head & scalp). Routinely the management of hair fall is aimed at stopping the hair loss and promoting the new hair growth. Here in this case study, patient had already undergone the treatment for Covid-19 including the steroids. So further use of modern medicines can result in gastric irritation and drug dependency which can trigger the hair fall again. In Ayurveda, we have a wide array of natural remedies which can be used in Khalitya. In present case study the patient of khalitya was treated with Amapachana, Virechana, Nasya Karma and Shaman Chikitsa. Nasya Karma (Errhine Therapy) is considered as the best therapeutic intervention in Shiro Roga by Acharya Charaka. This patient has been treated and assessment was done. Follow up was done after 3 months and the relief was considerable.