It's important to take action quickly if you develop a fungal infection on your scalp to prevent it from spreading to other areas of your body and becoming more severe.
It can affect your bones, organs, digestive system, bloodstream, eyes and mouth. A scalp yeast infection can be itchy and unbearable. But the good news is that it's easy to treat with antifungal medication such as shampoos, foams and ointments.
A fungal infection of the scalp by mold-like fungi is called tinea capitis. Tinea capitis (also called ringworm of the scalp) is a skin disorder that affects children almost exclusively. It can be persistent and very contagious.
If the infection is not treated and becomes severe, there is a chance that permanent scarring and bald areas will remain on the scalp even after therapy. The fungal infection can sometimes penetrate deep into the scalp, resulting in a kerion, a painful, thick, lumpy mass of fungal infection.
They usually affect your skin, hair, nails or mucous membranes but they can also infect your lungs or other parts of your body. You're at higher risk for fungal infections if you have a weakened immune system.
A fungal infection on the skin may cause redness, itching, flaking, and swelling. A fungal infection in the lungs may cause coughing, fever, chest pain, and muscle aches.
Tinea capitis is a fungal infection of the scalp hairs. Tinea capitis is also known as ringworm and herpes tonsurans infection. [1] It is caused primarily by the dermatophyte species Microsporum and Trichophyton. The fungi can penetrate the hair follicle outer root sheath and ultimately may invade the hair shaft.
Ringworm won't go away on its own. Medicine and a special antifungal shampoo can cure it. Treatment should start early to prevent scarring or damage to the scalp. It may take many weeks to go away.
Use Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is naturally antifungal and antibacterial. Mix it with any carrier oil like coconut oil or olive oil and dab over the infected area about three to four times a day. This is one of the most effective home remedies to treat fungal infections.
Minor damage to the scalp may lead to intracranial infection. The postoperative state of the scalp, skull and meninges is especially noteworthy with respect to invasion of pathogens into the skull. A detailed medical history should be obtained even from patients with minor scalp injuries.
Antifungal shampoo
A shampoo such as Nizoral or Head and Shoulders Intensive kills ringworm spores. Lather and leave it on your child's scalp for 10Â minutes before rinsing. Use the antifungal shampoo twice a week for 1 month. On other days, use a regular shampoo.
The scalp can become infected if fungus or bacteria enter through the hair follicles or damaged skin. Causes include ringworm, folliculitis, and impetigo. Bacteria cause some common infections, such as folliculitis and impetigo.
Stress also increases the cortisol levels in our bodies, and cortisol levels have a direct correlation with the hair follicle. This causes stressors to trigger scalp issues that can lead to the growth of different fungi and bacteria or a flaky, itchy scalp.
Scalp infections can be treated with antifungal tablets, sometimes combined with antifungal shampoo. If the skin is irritated or broken, it can lead to other bacterial infections, which may need treatment with antibiotics.
Treatment usually involves antifungal medications that you put on your skin. You might use an over-the-counter cream such as: Clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex) Miconazole (Micatin, Monistat-Derm)
What can cause sores or scabs on the scalp? Sores or scabs on the scalp are often harmless and clear up on their own. However, they can sometimes be a sign of a condition that may require treatment, such as psoriasis, contact dermatitis, or head lice.
Anyone with a weakened immune system may be more likely to contract a fungal infection, as well as anyone who is taking antibiotics.
White vinegar also works as an antimicrobial agent for the hair and scalp. It helps reduce bacteria and fungus present on the scalp and hair strands. Which helps in preventing infections and inflammation. This is beneficial for those who have scalp issues such as dandruff or folliculitis.
How long the treatment takes to work can differ from person to person. It usually takes a few days to a few weeks to clear up. The fungal infection may come back, however. Talk to your healthcare provider about steps you can take to prevent the infection from returning.