Effects of Exposure Time to Sun on Hair Fall During Lockdown in Covid Pandemic

Abstract

OBJECTIVES The study aimed to assess the effects of quarantine on non-scarring hair fall and to determine the relationship between sun exposure and hair fall. METHODOLOGY This cross-sectional study was conducted in Karachi from January to June 2022 . Ethical approval was taken from the institutional ethical review committee. Participants were recruited by non-probability convenience sampling technique after obtaining informed consent. Those with dermatologic diseases of the scalp (cicatricial alopecia, alopecia areata, seborrheic dermatitis, infections), high-stress levels, post-pregnancy, thyroid disorders, hormonal disorders and COVID-19 were excluded from the study. Hair loss was assessed using a self-filled questionnaire regarding the history of comorbidities, demographics, education, institute status during quarantine, hair fall experience and personal habits. RESULTSThe study consisted of 137 participants after exclusion criteria were applied. Among these, 95.6% complained of increased hair fall during quarantine. Most participants were women (63.4%) compared to men (36.6%). The average age of the hair fall group was 20 years. Only 15.3% of participants spent more than 1-2 hours in the sun, and the majority had their hair covered when going out during quarantine. CONCLUSION Hair fall is high during quarantine, particularly among women of young age group. Personal habits and exposure to the sun for a short time at noon can affect hair fall in quarantine, although no direct correlation was found. Hair fall during lockdown is inversely related to certain comorbidities.