Hair Loss and Telogen Effluvium Related to COVID-19: The Potential Implication of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Platelet-Rich Plasma as Regenerative Strategies

the diffusion of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) inducing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has increased the incidence of several dermatological disorders, including hair loss (HL). this article aims to review the literature regarding the incidence of HL and telogen effluvium (TE) in COVID-19 patients and critically appraise the available evidence regarding the role of regenerative strategies like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and human follicle stem cells (HFSCs). a literature review regarding the correlation of HL and TE in COVID-19 patients analyzing the biomolecular pathway involved and the role of regenerative strategies was performed using pubmed, MEDLINE, embase, pre-MEDLINE, scopus, and the cochrane databases. observational studies revealed an escalated incidence of pattern HL and TE in COVID-19 patients. psychological stress, systemic inflammation, and oxidative stress are potential culprits. proinflammatory cytokines and stress hormones negatively affect the normal metabolism of proteoglycans. reduced anagenic expression of proteoglycans is a potential mediating mechanism that connects HL to COVID-19. currently, only one study has been published on PRP against HL in COVID-19 patients. Further controlled trials are required to confirm PRP and HFSCs efficacy in COVID-19 patients.