Fungus of the scalp is a problem that is often found in modern dermatology. And although the first stages of the development of the disease can proceed without any visible symptoms and not cause a person any discomfort, treatment is necessary here. If untreated, mycoses can lead to partial or complete baldness.
Where does the scalp fungus come from?
Dozens of varieties of fungal skin lesions are known to modern medicine . Each disease is accompanied by different symptoms. As for the causative agents of the disease themselves, there is a very large group of pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic microorganisms that can affect the scalp.
Transmission paths may also be different. But in most cases, you can catch the infection during close contact with a sick person. Sometimes there is a domestic infection when sharing hygiene items, towels, combs, bedding, etc.
Of course, an outbreak of activity of conditionally pathogenic fungi - saprophytes can also lead to the development of the disease. Such microorganisms are “permanent residents” of human skin, but their numbers are strictly regulated by the immune system. Therefore, a fungus of the scalp is often observed against a background of a decrease in the body's defenses. Risk factors also include endocrine system diseases and hormonal disruptions.
The most common lesions of the scalp include seborrhea, epidermophytosis, trichophytosis, multicolored lichen and favus.
Scalp fungus: symptoms and signs of the disease
The clinical picture directly depends on the type of infection and the severity of the disease. Nevertheless, some common symptoms can be distinguished. The fungus of the scalp is usually accompanied by dry skin and severe itching. Most often, the lesion sites are oval.
The main symptoms include redness, and sometimes swelling of the scalp. Since it is affected by fungi, it becomes dry, sensitive and becomes covered by microcracks, often the disease is associated with secondary infection. In turn, with such a complication, small pustules often form. As the disease progresses, the skin begins to peel off and becomes covered with crusts of white, yellowish or even brown.
In most cases, the fungus affects not only the skin itself, but also the hair follicles. Against the background of infection, the hair is noticeably thinning - the hair becomes brittle, dull and thin. For example, with microsporia, the hair breaks off at a distance of about 5-7 millimeters from the surface of the skin, and the remaining fibers become whitish.
How to treat scalp fungus?
With a similar problem, it is best to immediately consult a dermatologist or trichologist. After all, only a specialist knows what the fungus of the scalp looks like, symptoms, treatment of the disease. But self-medication is not worth it. Do not forget that in the absence of proper therapy, the infection can spread to deeper layers of the skin, and sometimes even to nails and mucous membranes.
Fortunately, modern medicine has a ton of really effective antifungal drugs. As a rule, special shampoos, gels or hair masks containing ketoconazole and other active substances are used for this purpose. In particular, Nizoral shampoo is considered quite effective today. In more severe cases, systemic treatment is required - patients are prescribed medications such as Fluconazole, Levorin, and Terbinafine.
You can use some methods of traditional medicine. For example, you can add a few drops of tea tree oil, jojoba or eucalyptus to the water for washing your hair, as they have antiseptic properties, while moisturizing and soothing the skin.