07/11/2023
Tinea capitis is a scalp infection caused by filamentous fungi of the Trichophyton and Microsporum species that invade the hair shaft. Any age group can get this disease. The disease is easily confused with other scalp diseases such as lice, psoriasis, and dermatitis. Normally, a scalp infected with fungus will make the patient always uncomfortable because of itching. If not treated early and the disease progresses, the scalp can become severely inflamed or infected, causing hair loss and permanent scarring.
2. Causes of scalp fungus
Fungal infections of the scalp are mainly caused by filamentous fungi of the Trichophyton and Microsporum species that pe*****te the hair shafts. These two species of fungi often reside in damp scalp areas. Below are the main factors that create a favorable environment for fungus growth:
- Unclean scalp hygiene:
Poor scalp hygiene leads to sweat combining with dirt and dead cells, creating a moist environment favorable for the growth of fungus. At the same time, during the shampooing process, improper hygiene, scratching and rubbing too hard will cause scratches on the scalp. When the scalp is damaged, the fungus will easily pe*****te and attack deeper inside.
- Living habits
Busy working people, because they don't have time, often let their hair get too dirty before washing it. Or people who have the habit of washing their hair in the evening, not drying it completely but going to bed. These habits are the factors that cause disease to arise. At the same time, sharing personal items of sick people such as combs, hats, blankets and pillows is also susceptible to infection.
Infection from animals
Pets or family pets are susceptible to fungal infections if not properly cleaned and bathed. When you come into direct contact with them, you can get a fungal infection. Because, these fungi have the ability to transmit to humans.
In addition, polluted environment and water sources contaminated with bacteria and fungi are also factors that cause scalp fungus.
3. Identification signs
Usually, scalp fungus progresses in the following three stages:
- Stage 1: The scalp has a lot of dandruff
Fungi stimulate the scalp to secrete sebum which combines with dead cells to form dandruff. Therefore, dandruff on the scalp is the first sign when the disease appears. However, many people think this is a normal symptom and don't pay attention.
- Stage 2: Itching, scalp acne appears
At this stage, a lot of dandruff and sebum appear on the scalp. These are the factors that cause itching. Feelings of discomfort and discomfort in the scalp area cause the patient to scratch continuously. This vigorous rubbing can cause the scalp to become scratched, even bleeding and scaly. In some cases, tiny red spots or pimples appear on the scalp of the affected person.
- Stage 3: Severe hair loss
About 20 days after the first symptoms of the disease appear, hair loss begins to occur strongly. A patient's hair loss is a sign that the disease has become serious. At this stage, hair may fall out naturally or fall out when combing and washing your hair. Excessive hair loss will create round or oval bald patches of varying sizes. This condition makes the patient always feel self-conscious about their appearance.
Scalp fungus is characterized by hair loss, so it can easily be confused with other diseases of the body. If the disease is not detected and treated promptly, your scalp can become infected, swollen, have pustules and bleed. In more severe cases, hair may fall out and not grow back permanently.
4. Effective treatment
When you detect symptoms of scalp fungus, you should take treatment measures as soon as possible, so that the disease does not progress more seriously. Here are some ways that can help you overcome this disease:
Use locust
Since ancient times, locust bean has been known as a herb that is effective in scalp and hair care. Because, locust fruit contains Saponin, which is a substance that helps clean the scalp. Therefore, people whose scalp is mildly infected with fungus can use this fruit to wash their hair. Before washing your hair, you should grill the locust fruit on red charcoal, then boil it with water. When the water cools, use this water to wash your hair and the symptoms of the disease will gradually decrease.
Use antifungal medication
Oral antifungal medications are used to treat scalp infections. Substances used topically, such as creams, are not effective because they do not pe*****te the fungus.
The disease can be treated with antifungal medication for 6–8 weeks. Indications for medication use require consultation with a dermatologist.
Scalp fungus does not pose a threat to the health of the infected person. But they always make the patient feel itchy and uncomfortable. If you do not treat it promptly, the disease will progress severely, causing hair loss and bald patches. Therefore, depending on the severity of the disease, you can apply the measures that the article just shared above to treat the disease. At the same time, drying your hair after shampooing and always cleaning your scalp also helps you minimize this condition.
