Scalp infections affect many people. Like most infections, they might be the result of fungi as well several other pathogens like viruses, bacteria and parasites. Scalp infections might promote more troublesome diseases resulting in permanent hair loss. Fortunately, we know a lot about scalp fungus infection - causes and remedies and infections are mostly always treated successfully.
There are a multitude of micro-organisms that cause infection. Correctly identifying the specific entity usually requires microscopic investigation. Looking specifically at fungi, one of the most common types to infect head skin and hair is tinea capitis, better known as ringworm.
This condition is caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes (Greek for skin parts). There are three genera of dermatophytes and, within this trio of broad groups, about forty individual species of fungi. Dermatophytes cause infections of the skin, scalp, hair and nails. In addition to ringworm, they also cause the common fungal infection known as foot tinea. They survive by colonizing the keratin tissues on the surface of the skin and obtaining nutrients from keratinized on the non-living layer of the epidermis.
Keratin is a type of fibrous protein that exists on human skin. In fact, it is an important component of the epidermis. It is also an important material forming our nails and hair.
Dermatophytes are not able to penetrate living skin tissue. Infections resulting from these fungi are restricted to the outer layers of the skin. Nevertheless, they are very unsightly, highly infectious and should be treated promptly.
Ringworm infection is common, particularly among young children. Infectious outbreaks in kindergartens and schools are common. The infection thrives in moist and warm areas of the body caused by persistent, excessive sweating. Symptoms include intense itching, reddened skin and unsightly patches of lost hair.
The ringworm fungus can survive on non-human items such as combs, brushes, pens, pencils, tables and chairs. The risk of infection is increased if personal hygiene is poor, living conditions are over-crowded, an individual suffers excessive perspiration or shares personal items with others.
One infected area can infect other sections of the body if not treated. Ringworm can also be transmitted to other people as well as to pets. Physical contact or touching is a frequent mode of transmission. Other mechanisms are sharing personal brushes, combs and other care items, bed linen, hats and caps. If ringworm or other fungi are not treated, infection can progress and cause a more severe condition known as kerion. Kerion is the collection of pus underneath the skin. When the fungus has reached the kerion stage, most people are left with permanent hair loss and, in extreme cases, scars.
If ringworm or other forms of fungus is not treated, the infection can advance to a severe form known as kerion. Kerion is basically the formation of pus beneath the scalp. When tinea capitis has reached the kerion stage, most people are left with permanent hair loss and sometimes even scars. Given our knowledgeof scalp fungus infection - causes and remedies it is usually possible to avoid an infection advancing to the kerion stage. Prescription medications are available to attack the tinea capitis fungus. These medicines come as liquids, capsules or tablets rather than a cream. Topical preparations are not able to penetrate the head and hair follicles deep enough to attack the fungus. The medications are ingested. Treatment is requires 4-6 weeks. Shampoos are not useful to treat tinea capitis.
There are a multitude of micro-organisms that cause infection. Correctly identifying the specific entity usually requires microscopic investigation. Looking specifically at fungi, one of the most common types to infect head skin and hair is tinea capitis, better known as ringworm.
This condition is caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes (Greek for skin parts). There are three genera of dermatophytes and, within this trio of broad groups, about forty individual species of fungi. Dermatophytes cause infections of the skin, scalp, hair and nails. In addition to ringworm, they also cause the common fungal infection known as foot tinea. They survive by colonizing the keratin tissues on the surface of the skin and obtaining nutrients from keratinized on the non-living layer of the epidermis.
Keratin is a type of fibrous protein that exists on human skin. In fact, it is an important component of the epidermis. It is also an important material forming our nails and hair.
Dermatophytes are not able to penetrate living skin tissue. Infections resulting from these fungi are restricted to the outer layers of the skin. Nevertheless, they are very unsightly, highly infectious and should be treated promptly.
Ringworm infection is common, particularly among young children. Infectious outbreaks in kindergartens and schools are common. The infection thrives in moist and warm areas of the body caused by persistent, excessive sweating. Symptoms include intense itching, reddened skin and unsightly patches of lost hair.
The ringworm fungus can survive on non-human items such as combs, brushes, pens, pencils, tables and chairs. The risk of infection is increased if personal hygiene is poor, living conditions are over-crowded, an individual suffers excessive perspiration or shares personal items with others.
One infected area can infect other sections of the body if not treated. Ringworm can also be transmitted to other people as well as to pets. Physical contact or touching is a frequent mode of transmission. Other mechanisms are sharing personal brushes, combs and other care items, bed linen, hats and caps. If ringworm or other fungi are not treated, infection can progress and cause a more severe condition known as kerion. Kerion is the collection of pus underneath the skin. When the fungus has reached the kerion stage, most people are left with permanent hair loss and, in extreme cases, scars.
If ringworm or other forms of fungus is not treated, the infection can advance to a severe form known as kerion. Kerion is basically the formation of pus beneath the scalp. When tinea capitis has reached the kerion stage, most people are left with permanent hair loss and sometimes even scars. Given our knowledgeof scalp fungus infection - causes and remedies it is usually possible to avoid an infection advancing to the kerion stage. Prescription medications are available to attack the tinea capitis fungus. These medicines come as liquids, capsules or tablets rather than a cream. Topical preparations are not able to penetrate the head and hair follicles deep enough to attack the fungus. The medications are ingested. Treatment is requires 4-6 weeks. Shampoos are not useful to treat tinea capitis.
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