Looking for information on scalp fungal infection? Then you have landed at the right place. All about scalp fungal infection is here, packed in this very article.
What do you think scalp fungal infections are? Well, if you have absolutely no clue about this infection, then here is help coming your way. They are indeed no elementary trouble, they rank high on the charts of causing humongous hair damage and hair loss, thereby promoting hair diseases. They are one of the world’s major causes of hair damage and loss through the promotion of hair disease. However, it is possible that these scalp fungal infections can be treated. The scalp fungal infection treatments do have a positive effect on the hair, when administered.
Causes
This section of the article concentrates on explicating the major causes of fungal infection of the scalp. Bacteria, fungus, parasites and virus are pathogens that attack the scalp and give rise to infections. Amongst the four pathogens that were mentioned, bacteria and fungus are the most predominant and potential micro-organisms that spell havoc for the scalp.
Nevertheless, a parasite clan called the demodex folliculorum affects those people who have primarily developed pattern baldness. This is a major hair infection leading to severe itching and a constant urge to scratch the scalp, accompanied by a tickling sensation on the eyebrows and the eyelashes. To a large extent, it is caused by the bacteria affects the scalp causing a type of hair disease called bacterial folliculitus. Staphylococcus, a type of bacteria, can cause scalp fungal infection. It can be superficial and can be cured easily; however, if the infection has caught hold of the hair follicles in a strong and rigid manner, the respective treatment can be taxing as well as time-consuming.
Bacteria plays a part in causing this infection; however, parasites and virus are not far behind in order to cause harm to the scalp skin. Viral and parasitic folliculitus is a type of hair disease that not only affects the scalp area but also the areas where hair growth is prevalent. Fungal folliculitus can be divided into various types according to the infected body area like Tinea capitis that affects the scalp, tinea cruris adversely affects the groin region, tinea barbae that infects the beard area and tinea pedis that spreads on the feet and tinea corporis affects the trunk.
Types of Scalp Fungal Infections
Tinea Capitis
Tinea capitis is a severe scalp infection and is highly prevalent in children. It is also referred to as ringworm of the scalp, caused by a fungus called dermatophytes. Tinea capitis causes rash, swelling and redness of the scalp. This, indeed, is a scalp fungal infection, contagious and dangerously contractible.
Sebhorreic dermatitis
Commonly known as eczema of the scalp, sebhorreic dermatitis is a serious condition that makes the skin more susceptible to the fungal scalp infections. If it is countered during the proposed condition, the situation for the scalp and the hair can get worse. A fungal infection with regards to sebhorreic dermatitis is rooted in the fungus clan referred to as yeast Pityrosporon ovale or Malassezia furfur. Malassezia is an organism that is present in the epidermis or the skin tissues of humans in small numbers. The hair problem erupts only when the number of organisms increase. This is a non-contagious condition; however, it does have the potential to recur after being treated.
Piedra
Another common scalp infection, Piedra infects curly and straight hair follicles. The scalp endures bumps and nodule like structures on the affected area. It is a type of fungal infection that can strike your scalp when it is already infected with a type of bacterial infection. Piedra is a contagious condition. The spores are transferred from an infected person to another. The fungus like condition is existent on infected animals, plants, soil, stale water and in the air.
Scalp Psoriasis
Scalp psoriasis is a scalp ailment that predominantly affects the back of the head, characterized by severe dandruff and red itchy patches on the scalp. The patient may report symptoms such as appearances of silver-white flakes or scabs that feel itchy. Some sores may also have the tendency to bleed. Research digs deep in contributing to findings that convey stress as the major element in triggering psoriasis. It is also not contagious, however it is a hereditary hair ailment.
Symptoms
Tinea capitis or ringworm of the scalp is the most severe condition that the scalp can contract. The symptoms include:
- Itching (severe, mild or none)
- Development of bumps and lesions
- Redness of the scalp
- Inflammation of the affected area
- Lesions may get filled up with pus
- Dark spots on the scalp
- Bald patches on the scalp
Treatment
Treatment is possible when the cause of the scalp is rooted out completely. We notice that the fungal scalp infections either refuse to go away or remain deep-seated into the follicles so as to erupt back at a more suitable time. This results in your scalp being aggressively harmed further leading to aggravated scalp problems.
Majority develop this condition due to the underlying reason of shampoos and the harmful ingredients added to them. These ingredients are used in shampoos in order to make the scalp scum free, however these agents do an excellent job and the scalp in the process gets rid of oils and dirt. Unfortunately, these shampoos rip off the natural oils of the scalp, making it dry and susceptible to itching and irritation. The treatment includes using natural and safe products that do good to your scalp, in the process nourishing your hair follicles.
Helpful Home Remedies
- To counter scalp fungus, you could also get rid of harsh shampoos and conditioners, and opt for nature based shampoos that consist of ingredients such as wheat germ and jojoba oils that nourish the scalp and make the roots stronger.
- Lavender, rosemary and tea tree oils, with their anti-bacterial make up, aid in curing an itchy scalp, and has properties that promote faster healing of the scalp area. Eucalyptus oil has a calming effect and thereby soothes the scalp.
- A scalp massage with neem oil helps in fighting dandruff and is the perfect remedy to cure eczema of the scalp. Lavender is an essential oil that has the potential to stimulate hair growth and makes hair healthier.
- Besides these natural remedies, one could also resort to antifungal medication and treatments in order to curb and increasingly cease it from spreading to the areas of the scalp.
- Use a soft brush and a wide toothed comb for your daily hair combing. Bristles that are rough and have a more abrasive tooth can do more harm to the scalp than good. Also make sure that you comb your hair gently. Grazing it may cause damage to the roots, making them weak and the hair brittle, thus prone to breakage.
- Restrain yourself from scratching as far as possible. Only when the urge is unbearable, rub the area a bit. Do not be too harsh as this may worsen the condition further.
- Application of apple cider vinegar is extremely beneficial in order to reduce the itchiness. Virgin apple cider vinegar should be spread all over the scalp and should be allowed to stay on for thirty minutes to an hour. Rinse off with a mild and medicated shampoo. The fungal infection is washed off, thereby reducing the itchiness.
Medications such as ketoconazole, fluconazole, terbinafine and itraconazole are effective alternatives to get rid of fugal scalp infection. I hope this article has catered to your expectations in terms of providing you with adequate information. With this information at hand, you would be able to understand the multiple treatment arenas for scalp related troubles better.
