Hair fungus

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Among the many causes of hair fungus, a small percentage is attributable to fungal infection afflicting mostly children. Hair loss caused by fungus can be traced to the infection of the scalp from a species of fungus ringworm (no relation to worms), medically termed as Tinea Capitis.

The fungal that attack results in a contagious skin disorder characterized by scaling and a patchy balding on the scalp that can be unsightly. There is often redness, swelling and liquid discharge if the skin breaks due to scratching thus leading to hair fungus. With the right treatment which usually takes the form of oral medication in children, the condition is curable and reversible

Different Types of hair Fungus infection

Piedra- though noble as it may sound, is a kind of hair fungus infection that causes you to loose your hair. You would know that you have it if there are hard nodules that can be felt on the hair fibers. You can simply try massaging your scalp and feel the bumps or when you try to pull out a strand, the hard nodule will come along with it. If left untreated, piedra can turn for the worse and become black spots on the scalp.

Seborrheic dermatitis can both be itchy and painful. This is another hair fungus that is triggered by fatty acids. It also known for causing reddish spots and patches on the scalp. Generally, seborrheic dermatitis is associated with extreme fatigue and people with Parkinson's disease are known to exhibit the illness.

Ways to cure hair Fungal Infections

Treating a scalp infected with Tinea Capitis involves oral antifungal medication such as itraconacole (brand Sporanox), griseofulvin (brand Grifulvin), flucanazole (brand Diflucan) or terbinafine (brand Lamisil). There may be some side effects associated with any of these and it is best to report any to your physician for alternative medication. In severe cases, steroids may have to be administered to reduce inflammation and skin tissue scarring. Hair loss caused by fungus can be reversed with the right treatment. In mild cases, no treatment may be necessary depending on the fungus variant that infected the scalp.

Preventive measure and treatment for hair fungus

When you wash your hair, rinse off the shampoo thoroughly. Leftover suds can pave the way for fungal growth in your scalp. Make sure, too, that you dry your hair completely afterwards. Fungi thrive in moist and warm places. If you keep your head dry and clean, you can avoid turning it into an attractive breeding ground for these infection-causing bacteria.

For people with scalp fungal infections, scratching is a definite not good. Although the itch may be unbearable at times, try to restrain yourself. Scratching might give you a momentary relief from the itchiness but it will just worsen the infection in the long run.

Sharing combs, brushes or even hats with other people is a sure way of spreading scalp fungal infections. Make it a practice to use your own combs and other hair implements. This way, you can keep from contaminating others and you can avoid contracting their infections as well.