Hair Fungus
What Causes Hair Fungus and How Can it be Treated?
Hair fungus is not a pleasant topic. After all, nobody really wants to think that there could be a fungus growing on their head. Unfortunately, it does occur and can be a nasty business when it does. So what causes hair fungus and how can it be treated?
Fungus in the hair is caused by fungi called dermatophytes. The fungi develop in the scalp and not actually in the hair itself, although they affect the hair by association. It can last for months or for years if it’s not properly treated. It is also contagious as well.
You are more likely to find fungus in the hair in regions that are warm and moist, as well as in areas that have poor hygiene. Although people in the United States can get this fungus, it is more common in tropical regions and in third world countries.
Most hair fungus develops in children. One of the first things that might be noticeable is a condition that looks similar to dandruff. It might show up as tiny scales, or even large ones, or be accompanied by an abscess. Hair loss around the affected areas is common. The inflammation itself could be serious or minimal depending on what type it is.
Basically, hair fungus occurs when infections develop in the scalp. Common bacteria found in these infections are M. canis, T. tonsurans, Trichophyton schoenleinii, and M. audouinii. Some common symptoms might be itching, dandruff, matted hair, and yellow crusting. Sometimes, there are no symptoms present at all. The areas around the inflammations might be red and swollen or could be crusted over and look like scabs. You might notice that there is no hair growing in the inflamed areas.
In T. tonsurans, the fungal spores develop and grow inside of the hair shaft itself. You might notice a pattern that resembles tiny black dots. This is where the hairs break off at the scalp and leave bald patches that are only broken by the tiny hairs that are left behind. If the inflammation is bad then it might show up as an abscess too. On the other hand, if the inflammation is not bad then it might just appear scaly.
M. canis will usually show up as scaly patches and result in hair loss. The fungus will grow on the outer surface of the hair and can either cover the entire scalp or just show up in a few places. This infection most commonly shows up in cats and dogs.
Trichophyton schoenleinii is the most aggressive kind of hair fungus. It develops inside the hair shaft and causes air bubbles to form in the hair as well. Scarring is caused by the yellow thick crusts and inflammation also develops as well. In order to prevent permanent hair loss and bald patches it is important that it be checked out and treated by a doctor.
Ringworm, also known as “tinea capitis” is also a fungal infection that can affect the scalp. It can also affect the nails and feet, too. Ringworm usually starts out looking like a small pimple that over time expands and can grow quite large. It can leave scaly patches and cause baldness and in the process it itches very badly. It really doesn’t have anything to do with worms and is given the name due to its appearance.
Humans can contact ringworm through infected animals, most notably cats. You can also get ringworm by using a comb that has been used by an infected person. Anti-fungal drugs are used to treat ringworm which in some cases can get very bad and even cover the entire body.
Taking care to have good hygiene will help prevent and minimize fungal infections. Anti-fungal shampoos and sulfur soak are helpful as well as products that contain 1% to 2% zinc pyrithione, Povidone-iodine, 2% Ketoconazole, and 2.5% selenium sulfide. There are also oral anti-fungal medications that can be prescribed by your doctor as well.
In extreme cases, the hair might need to be shaved off in order to treat the fungal infection. However, this is typically only done as a last resort. Still, if you notice anything unusual, such as sores, on your head or your child’s head then you should make it a priority to visit your doctor to get proper diagnosis.