Post-COVID Telogen Effluvium Treated With PRP Therapy
A Case Report from Katy & Houston, Texas
Patient Presentation
A 61-year-old woman presented as a new patient to Reena Jogi, MD with concerns of long-standing, generalized hair loss affecting the scalp. Her hair loss was moderate in severity, gradual in onset, and had been present for several years, with worsening diffuse shedding over the past year.
The patient reported a COVID-19 infection in 2025, after which she experienced a noticeable increase in hair shedding. She also described multiple systemic stressors, including a recent gastrointestinal illness following food exposure, an unintentional 15-pound weight loss, and previous laboratory abnormalities with elevated white blood cell count and eosinophils, raising concern for a possible inflammatory or parasitic process. She was advised to follow up with a gastroenterologist for further evaluation.
She had been taking oral minoxidil 2.5 mg daily since 2023 without side effects and had a family history of hair loss in her mother.
Clinical Examination
A comprehensive dermatologic examination was performed, including detailed scalp and hair inspection, as well as examination of the head and face. The patient appeared well developed, well nourished, and in no acute distress.
Scalp examination revealed diffuse non-scarring hair shedding, most notable at the mid-frontal scalp, with no evidence of scarring or inflammatory alopecia. A positive hair pull test confirmed active telogen shedding, supporting the diagnosis of chronic telogen effluvium.
Diagnosis
Based on clinical findings and history, the patient was diagnosed with:
Chronic Telogen Effluvium (L65.0)
Diffuse Non-Scarring Hair Shedding Following COVID-19 Infection
Post-viral telogen effluvium is a recognized cause of prolonged hair shedding, particularly when compounded by medical illness, nutritional changes, and emotional stress.
Treatment Discussion and Plan
The diagnosis of chronic telogen effluvium was reviewed in detail, including common triggers, expected course, and prognosis. Treatment options were discussed extensively and included:
Increasing oral minoxidil dosage
Adding an androgen blocker such as spironolactone
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
Low-level laser therapy
Nutraceutical supplementation
The patient was counseled that higher-dose oral minoxidil may cause increased generalized hair growth, which she understood. After reviewing risks, benefits, and alternatives, she elected to:
Increase oral minoxidil to 3.75 mg daily
Proceed with PRP therapy during the visit
Baseline clinical photographs were obtained.
PRP Treatment Details
The patient underwent her first PRP treatment during the visit.
Indication: Hair loss
Treatment Number: 1
Total PRP Volume Injected: 7 cc
Written consent was obtained, and risks—including pain, infection, scarring, and incomplete improvement—were reviewed. Blood was drawn using sterile technique, centrifuged to isolate platelet-rich plasma, and injected into the scalp at the subdermal level. Pain control was achieved with Zimmer cooling, and the patient tolerated the procedure well without complications.
Post-Procedure Instructions
The patient was advised to:
Wash hair with warm water
Use sulfate-free shampoos
Continue oral and topical hair loss treatments
Avoid hair coloring for 2–3 days after PRP
She was scheduled to return in 1 month for PRP treatment #2.
Counseling and Expectations
The patient was counseled that:
Chronic telogen effluvium may take months to improve, especially when multiple triggers are present
Treating underlying systemic illness is essential
PRP may help reduce active shedding and support regrowth
Combination therapy often provides the best long-term results
She was instructed to contact the office if shedding worsens or fails to improve.
Expert Post-COVID Hair Loss Care in Katy & Houston, TX
At Reena Jogi, MD, we specialize in diagnosing and treating complex hair loss conditions, including post-COVID telogen effluvium and chronic shedding in mature women. Our approach combines medical therapy, advanced regenerative treatments like PRP, and careful evaluation of underlying triggers.
If you are experiencing persistent hair shedding after illness or COVID-19 and are seeking expert care in Katy or Houston, Texas, our team is here to help.
