Sudden Hair Fall After Stress or Fever? Here’s What’s Really Happening

By Dr. Manu Singh Walia  

DermatologistThe Derma House, Santacruz West, Mumbai 

One of the most alarming complaints patients share is:“My hair is falling in handfuls all of a sudden.”

This often happens 2–3 months after a major trigger — and while it looks scary, it is usually reversible if handled correctly.

1. This Is Often Telogen Effluvium — Not Permanent Hair Loss

Sudden, diffuse hair fall after:

• High fever or viral illness
• Major stress or trauma
• Surgery
• Crash dieting
• Childbirth

is commonly due to Telogen Effluvium — a condition where hair prematurely enters the shedding phase.

Important to know: