Many people are finding themselves battling their way to recovery after contracting Covid-19. Alongside other ongoing symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and brain fog (to name only a few), Covid has also seen people suffering from uncomfortable and unsightly skin conditions, as well as hair loss.
Covid-19, skin health and hair loss
Covid-19 is associated with skin problems such as red, itchy rashes on the body; chilblains on toes and fingers; hives; skin redness; and chickenpox-like lesions. Sufferers of eczema and psoriasis have seen their conditions worsen due to Covid, and others are experiencing skin problems due to the use of masks and sanitizers.
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I offer advice on some post-Covid aesthetic treatments that will help you on the road to recovery, and looking and feeling better.
IV Therapy
To start, I would highly recommend that patients opt for IV vitamin drip therapy. Intravenous vitamin drips deliver essential vitamins and antioxidants directly into the bloodstream, for maximum absorption.
IV infusions can be used to boost the immune system and maintain optimum health and vitality. It is a powerful ally to support post-Covid recovery, as well as the treatment of a variety of acute illnesses and chronic conditions. Some of the key benefits include increased energy levels, improved health and immunity, enhanced mood, reduced stress, boosted hydration and muscle recovery, and enhanced skin health and brightening.
PRP skin regeneration therapy
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This is another good treatment to consider to help your skin return to optimal health after Covid. PRP skin regeneration therapy, also known as the vampire facial, is a procedure that uses a patient’s own blood to trick the body into healing and repair.
The blood is extracted and undergoes a spinning process to separate the plasma, which is injected back into a patient’s skin. PRP skin regeneration therapy is also a good treatment for people experiencing hair loss after Covid.
How can it help?
PRP skin regeneration therapy assists with the regeneration and restoration of hair follicles, enabling new, healthy hair to start emerging on the scalp. The procedure stimulates the formation of new healthy blood vessels. These blood vessels supply the hair follicles and sustain hair growth and hair regeneration.
The increase in blood flow brings essential nutrients into the follicle while taking away harmful waste products and increasing cellular metabolism and cellular activity. The hair follicle, therefore, has the necessary building blocks and energy to transform from a weakened follicle to one that is healthy and capable of producing beautiful, thick healthy hair.
Micro-needling
Micro-needling is another recommended option to assist your skin to regenerate and has also shown benefits in hair regeneration.
DermaPen is a skin micro-needling treatment with minimum downtime. It promotes scarless healing and natural collagen production in the skin. This helps improve the appearance of scars, acne scarring, stretch marks, wrinkles, pigmentation, and rejuvenate the skin. A dermapen causes stimulation of healthy collagen production through controlled damage to the skin, which prompts it to repair itself.
Facials
A facial is another easy and non-invasive way to help rejuvenate your skin. It can also restore the health and glow that Covid took away.
Yes, facials are a relaxing and pampering experience. However, your skin will also receive added hydration and the nourishing treatment it deserves. During a facial your skin is cleansed, exfoliated and any impurities will be extracted. This will leave you with a radiant, healthy glow.
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Performed in a physician’s office, medical facials cleanse, exfoliate, extract, and hydrate skin using a combination of medical-grade products and tools.
They are suitable for a variety of skin types. These highly customizable treatments improve the appearance of several skin concerns, including many brought about through the Covid virus and its effects on the body.
Hair loss tips
Other options for hair loss include steroid injections into the scalp, the use of a topical medication called Minoxidil, as well as the use of specialised treatment shampoos and conditioners.
What about maskne?
Although not a symptom of Covid-19 infection, wearing a mask has seen many people develop a condition called “maskne” which is a type of acne caused by constant friction from the face mask. The friction from the mask as well as humidity and sweating contribute to clogging of pores and inflammation – leading to pimples.
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Dealing with maskne
Maskne sufferers should wash their face twice daily with a gentle fragrance-free cleanser, or a medicated cleanser. They should avoid harsh granular exfoliators as these can create or worsen irritation.
They should also use a lightweight moisturiser and include Hyaluronic Acid in your skincare regimen. Additionally, they should start using skincare products with vitamin C during the day and make sure their night cream has Retinol (vitamin A) in it. Also, wash and/or change your mask every day.
Recovering from COVID
There are also general measures that can be taken to help you recover faster from Covid. Taking vitamin C and zinc, as well as vitamin D, has been shown to help. If you are suffering from hair loss then take calcium, magnesium, and an iron supplement. Get more rest, eat healthily, and try to get some exercise every day. All of these actions will help you and your skin to recover faster from Covid-19.
Want to know more?
Millions around the world are slogging through long Covid, an aftermath illness that could go on for months. However, long Covid does not have to be a life sentence.
