2019 brought a tough future years for most of us bringing into light a new disease that stopped the world in a snap. The virus although mostly focused on the lung area, it did show its effects over other organs as it progressed its course and duration. Skin, our first barrier of defence also fell a victim to the after math of virus stay in body. Most of us usually must have ignored the signs blaming the climate change or water but yeah, the explanation for all our sudden skin problems at this time could be present or previous COVID-19 infection. 

WHAT DOES IT CAUSE? AND WHY? 

  • A problem faced by almost all those infected is ‘COVID itch’ which presents as extreme itch which increase in evening seen especially in dry skin types. It is ignored by many as the drugs given subside the irritation for a while. 
  • Macules which could be called flattened heat boils may also be noticed in many especially fair skin tones - these usually manifest at the end of quarantine due to the body homeostasis bouncing back in place after the temperature changes. In other words, heat escaping the body. 
  • Heat boils which manifest same as macules.
  • Dullness, usually seen after 2 to 3 months of infection due to oxidative stress built up during infection stages.
  • Post COVID hair fall is seen in almost every patient three months post infection due to the stress body goes through to fight the virus causing vitamin and mineral depletion which in-turn causes hair loss. 
  • Finally, a problem faced by most of the population irrespective of their infection status is dryness or irritation especially on hand due to excessive sanitiser or soap use. Let’s be real, COVID-19 infection surely infused a small amount of OCD in all of use to keep clean!

WHAT CAN I DO TO TREAT MYSELF? 

  • For Heat boils (raised or flat) : Use cooling agents after checking for allergen and skin type. avoid DIY home skin care. 
  • For Itch : MOISTURISE! MOISTURISE! and MOISTURISE! With humectants and occlusives. If not prescribed already, a course of low potency anti-histamines does help.https://fit.practo.com/#!/content/45373 - (An article to teach you new way to moisture) 
  • For hair loss : Consult your skin care specialist for right drugs and supplements. Avoid minoxidil and finasteride here as it is basically vitamin depletion, not hormone induced. 
  • For Dryness : Avoid harsh soaps. Unless exposed to daily dust or pollutants, bathe with moisturiser and avoid hot water showers. Non-exfoliating night creams also help here. 
  • For post COVID-19 acne : Seen mostly in 20 to 40 year old patients, consult your doctor for the right actives based on your skin type. 

HOW CAN I BE SAFE FROM THESE?

 Vitamin D was a forgotten gem which came into light during these times as a boon for our skin, with an answer to all our skin problems. 

Disclaimer ;

Please consult a doctor or health professional prior to use of any product or supplement. As much as these may benefit you, over use may cause unwanted side effects or render to the products or supplements not showing desired effects due to wrong application methods or consumption.