Is your scalp itching all the time? When you feel your scalp, do you notice flaking skin and pustules? You most likely have a fungi infection on your scalp.
When dead skin cells mix with oil and contaminants, they provide the ideal environment for fungus to thrive. Poor scalp hygiene, i.e., not washing your hair regularly, is the most common cause of fungal infections. Styling products and other harsh chemicals applied to your hair might aggravate infections.
What is a Fungi Scalp Infection
There are several types of fungi on the skin that are completely harmless. These fungi can multiply and produce an infection if exposed to supportive environmental conditions.
Infections caused by fungi can arise anywhere on or inside the body. They're more common on the feet, fingernails, and scalp than everywhere else.
Fungi infection on the scalp, also known as tinea capitis, is a type of fungus infection that affects hair shafts and the scalp. The popular name for the condition is ringworm, which relates to the infection's ring-like or circular appearance on the skin. Infection on the scalp can have various signs and symptoms, but it commonly manifests itself as itchy, scaly, hairless spots on the head.
The infection is highly contagious and most frequent in toddlers and school-aged children. Some cases of ringworm of the scalp result in severe inflammation, which can lead to scarring or long-lasting hair loss.
Infection on the scalp (Ringworm) is caused by one of several mold-like fungi known as dermatophytes.
How to Prevent Fungi Infection on the Scalp
Methods of Transmission
Fungi feed on decaying tissue like fingernails, hair, and the skin's outer layers. They thrive on sweaty skin because they enjoy warmth and dampness. The spread of fungi infection on the scalp is aided by overcrowding and inadequate cleanliness. It is contagious and can be transferred in a variety of ways, including:
• Human to human
Fungi infection is transferred most commonly through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.
• Object to human
Fungi infection can be transferred by touching items or surfaces that have been touched by an infected person or animal. Such objects include clothing, towels, bed linens, combs, or brushes.
• Animal to human
Fungi infection is commonly carried by pets, particularly pups and kittens. Cows, goats, pigs, and horses are among the animals that frequently carry the fungus. Your kids can get ringworm by grooming or stroking a ringworm-infected animal.
• No apparent reason
Fungi are prevalent, and infections can strike at any time. Fungal spores, for example, can travel through the air from an infected person and land on the scalp of another person. The spores could then turn into fungus, causing infection.
Signs and Symptoms of Fungi Infection on the Scalp
The following are some of the most typical signs and symptoms of a fungal scalp infection:
• A reddish or purplish colored rash on the scalp
• One or more circular patches of scaly skin where the hair has broken off
• Patches that gradually increase or expand
• White flakes on the scalp that may be shedding
• Patches with tiny black dots where the hair has broken off at the scalp
• White or yellow boils on the scalp that are pus-filled
• Scalp regions that are soft, wet, and/or whitish
• Hair that is brittle or fragile and easily pulls out
• Areas of the scalp that are tender or painful
How to Prevent a Fungi Infection on the Scalp
Since the fungi causing scalp infection are numerous and very contagious, they can be challenging to prevent. It's a good idea to teach children about the dangers of sharing hairbrushes and other personal objects because they are particularly vulnerable. Take the following steps to help lower your risk of fungi infection on the scalp:
• Bathe on a regular basis and maintain good hygiene.
• Keep your scalp clean and dry.
• Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.
• Consume fewer starchy and sugary meals.
• Reduce alcohol intake.
• Antibiotics and steroids should not be used in excess.
• Limit the usage of hats, caps, and scarves on your and your child's heads to allow the scalp to breathe.
• Stay away from infected animals.
• Regularly wash your child's scalp, especially after haircuts.
• Be sure your child washes their hands often to avoid the spread of infection.
• Personal items should not be shared. Train your kids not to let others make use of or borrow their clothing, towels, hairbrushes, or other personal items.
Complications
Fungi infection on the scalp can lead to kerion, a severe and painful scalp inflammation. Kerion causes thick, yellow crusting on the scalp and appears as soft, elevated swellings that drip fluid.
Kerion is caused by a highly aggressive immune response to the fungus, resulting in lifelong scarring and hair loss.
Various scalp disorders can have a similar appearance. See your doctor if you or your kid develops hair loss, scaling or irritation on the scalp, or any other unusual scalp look. It's critical to have a proper diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.