Hair loss treatment in Melaka: what to know

Many people are surprised when their hair starts falling heavily two or three months after they have already recovered from an illness or given birth. Handfuls of hair in the shower, on the pillow or in the comb can be frightening. If you live in Melaka or elsewhere in the south, this guide explains a common cause of this kind of shedding, called telogen effluvium, and what you can do. For first steps with any sudden change, see what to do first when your hair starts falling.

What is telogen effluvium?

Hair grows in cycles. At any time, most hairs are growing, while a smaller share are in a resting phase before they fall out. A major stress on the body can push many growing hairs into the resting phase at once. A few months later, those hairs shed together ¹. This is called telogen effluvium.

Typical features:

• Shedding starts about two to three months after the trigger
• Hair falls from all over the scalp rather than in patches
• Many shed hairs have a small white bulb at the root
• The scalp usually looks normal ²

Common triggers

• High fever or severe infection: including dengue fever, which has been reported to trigger acute shedding that can be mistaken for pattern hair loss ³
• COVID-19: a systematic review described acute telogen effluvium after COVID-19 infection ⁴
• Childbirth: shedding in the months after having a baby is common ^{5 6}
• Surgery or a hospital stay
• Crash dieting or rapid weight loss: sharp drops in food intake have long been linked to hair loss ⁷
• Major emotional stress
• Starting or stopping certain medicines ⁸

After having a baby

During pregnancy, many women notice thicker hair. After birth, hormone levels change and the extra hairs often shed together. This usually begins a few months after delivery. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that most women see their hair return to its usual fullness over time, often by the child's first birthday ⁵. Read postpartum hair loss for more.

Tips during this time:

• Use a gentle shampoo and a lightweight conditioner
• Avoid tight ponytails, buns and harsh treatments
• Keep eating well, and continue any supplements your doctor or midwife has advised
• Consider a shorter style if long hair feels heavy or tangles easily

How long does it last?

Acute telogen effluvium often settles on its own within several months once the trigger has passed ¹. New short hairs may appear along the hairline and parting as new growth begins. It can take longer for length and fullness to return. If shedding continues for more than six months, it may be chronic telogen effluvium, or another cause may be involved ².

When to get checked

Telogen effluvium is common, but other conditions can look similar or happen at the same time. See a doctor if:

• Shedding continues beyond about six months
• You notice patches, a widening parting or a receding hairline
• Your scalp is red, scaly, itchy or painful
• You have other symptoms, such as tiredness, feeling cold, weight change or heavy periods
• You are not sure what triggered it

A doctor may suggest blood tests to check for problems such as anaemia, low iron or thyroid disease, which can also be linked to hair loss ^{9 10}. Low iron is common after childbirth or heavy periods ¹¹.

Should you take supplements?

If tests show a deficiency, your doctor may advise treatment. Without a confirmed deficiency, supplements are not proven to help hair, and some can cause harm in excess ¹². A balanced diet with enough protein, fruit, vegetables and whole grains supports overall health ¹³. See vitamin deficiencies and hair loss.

What not to do

• Do not panic and buy many products at once; most shedding settles with time
• Do not stop prescribed medicines without talking to your doctor
• Avoid crash diets while recovering
• Avoid harsh bleaching or chemical treatments during heavy shedding

Looking after your wellbeing

Heavy shedding can be distressing, especially for new mothers who are already tired. Rest when you can, ask family for help and talk to someone you trust. Stress management may help your general wellbeing ¹⁴. For more, see stress, sleep and hair.

The bottom line

In Melaka, as elsewhere, sudden heavy shedding a few months after dengue, COVID-19, a high fever, surgery or childbirth is often telogen effluvium, which usually settles with time. Be gentle with your hair, eat well and see a doctor if shedding lasts more than six months or you notice other signs. For more on sudden changes, read sudden hair fall.

Frequently asked questions

Why does hair fall months after an illness?

A major stress on the body can push many hairs into a resting phase, and they shed together about two to three months later ¹.

Can dengue cause hair loss?

Yes. Dengue fever has been reported to trigger acute telogen effluvium ³.

How long does postpartum hair loss last?

It often improves over months, and many women see their usual fullness return by the child's first birthday ⁵.

When should I see a doctor?

If shedding lasts beyond about six months, or you notice patches, scalp symptoms or other health changes ².

Educational content. Not medical advice.