Hair fall after dengue, typhoid or a high fever: when will it stop?

Every autumn, after dengue season in Lahore and Rawalpindi, and after typhoid outbreaks in summer, we hear the same worried message: "I recovered months ago, so why is my hair falling out in handfuls now?" This is one of the most predictable kinds of hair fall, and one of the most reassuring once you understand it.

Why it happens months later

A high fever, a serious infection, surgery, a big weight loss or childbirth is a shock to the body. To save energy, the body pushes a large share of hair follicles into their resting phase at once. Nothing happens straight away. Then, about two to three months later, all of those resting hairs are released together. Doctors call this telogen effluvium.

So the hair you are losing now is hair that stopped growing during the illness. New hair is already growing underneath to replace it.

How long it lasts

Shedding typically lasts six to twelve weeks, then slows. Full thickness returns over six to nine months, because hair grows only about a centimetre a month. The first new growth often shows as short, fine "baby hairs" along the hairline and parting.

What helps while you recover

You cannot stop hair that has already entered the resting phase from shedding, but you can give the new growth every advantage:

• Rebuild your nutrition. Fever and infection drain iron, protein and zinc. Daal, eggs, meat, chana, nuts, seeds and leafy greens. Ask your doctor whether an iron or vitamin D test makes sense.
• Treat the hair you have gently. It is weaker than usual. Wide-tooth comb, no tight styles, low heat.
• Oil once a week. A scalp massage with PureRoots Coconut Herbal Oil keeps the scalp nourished and the remaining hair soft so it doesn't break on top of the shedding. Amla and bhringraj are the traditional herbs for hair recovery.
• Wash gently and regularly. A mild shampoo like PureRoots Herbal Shampoo. Skipping washes out of fear makes no difference to the shedding and leaves the scalp oily.
• Sleep and hydration. Boring, and the most effective thing on this list.

When to see a doctor

If shedding continues beyond six months, if you see patches rather than overall thinning, or if you also have ongoing tiredness, weight change or irregular periods, see a dermatologist or physician. Thyroid and iron problems can follow an illness and need treatment.