Infections That Cause Hair Loss: A Guide
Scalp infections might not seem like a big deal, but you should never ignore them. To grow hair well, you need a healthy scalp.
There are two causes that lead to hair loss from the scalp.
First, hair in the affected area falls out and can’t grow back until the condition is gone.
Second, a lot of scalp problems cause itching.
Too much scratching can cause hair to break, fall out, and damage the hair follicle in a way that can’t be fixed.
The most common type of hair loss is called Androgenic alopecia. It affects about 80 million people in the United States.
This guides you to the four most common scalp infections that cause hair loss and what you can do about them.
Infections that cause hair loss
There are multiple causes for hair loss to happen. However, most of them are treatable.
Ringworm
Ringworm, often confused with worms, is a fungal infection that can happen anywhere on the body.
If it happens on the scalp, it can lead to patches of hair loss and is called “Tinea capitis” by doctors.
Ringworm is the same as an Athlete’s foot. It is a fungal infection that can also spread to the nails.
The fungus gets into the hair follicles in the affected area, making the hairs weak and easy to break off. This leaves a patch of skin without hair.
Affected areas are often itchy, red, and swollen, with scaly patches that may blister and ooze.
Most of the time, the edges of the patches are redder than the middle, which has a more normal skin tone.
This can look like a ring, which is why it is called a “Ringworm”.
Treatment
Any powders, creams, and lotions will not be of any help in clearing up a scalp ringworm infection.
Most of the time, doctors also prescribe antifungal tablets to treat scalp ringworm.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a person must take the medication for 1 to 3 months.
Folliculitis
Folliculitis means that the hair follicles are inflamed.
It looks like acne because it has little red rings around the opening of a hair follicle.
The hair fiber may still be there in the early stages of Folliculitis.
However, as folliculitis gets worse, the hair often falls out.
When folliculitis is not in good condition, the inflammation can destroy the hair follicles for good, leaving little bald patches.
There are non-infectious forms of folliculitis. For example, oils and greases on the skin can clog up the hair follicles.
Still, Folliculitis is often caused by an infection with bacteria.
Staphylococcus aureus is often the cause of an infection of the hair follicles.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which grows in water that isn’t chlorinated enough, causes “hot tub folliculitis.”
Treatment
Some people may feel better by putting a warm washcloth on red or itchy skin.
In some cases, a person with an infection may need to take medicine, but most of the time, the infection will go away independently.
If people know what caused their Folliculitis, they will be better able to avoid it and treat it if it happens again.
For instance, if they just shaved their head, they could do more to keep bacteria from getting into their skin.
This could mean changing your headwear or washing your hair more often.
Piedra
Piedra (Trichomycosis nodularis) happens when a fungus enters the hair fibers.
If you have a Piedra infection, hard nodules will form on them.
The nodules are clumps of hyphae and fruiting bodies of the fungus.
This is called an Ascostroma. The spores of the fungus are released from the Ascostroma.
There are two basic kinds of piedra: black and white, named for the color of the nodules that form on the hair fiber.
A Piedra infection can affect the hair on the head, body, and private parts. Most of the time, the infection isn’t too bad.
This can lead to hair loss in patches and all over the head.
Treatment
The infection can be treated by shaving off affected areas.
Ketoconazole, or Terbinafine, are anti-fungal medications that can treat this infection.
Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition.
Still, it can also cause an infection and temporary hair loss if it is on the scalp or in other skin areas.
Dermatitis makes the skin red, scaly, and sometimes oily. The skin can be itchy or even hurt when touched.
This inflammatory condition isn’t well understood but has a genetic link.
Caucasians, especially those with Celtic roots, are the most likely to get it.
When maternal Androgens are passed to the baby from the mother through the placenta, some babies get seborrheic dermatitis.
Seborrheic dermatitis can be caused by Parkinson’s disease, a head injury, or a stroke. Stress and chronic fatigue can make it worse.
When hormones change, such as during puberty, the onset can happen.
Treatment
Seborrheic dermatitis usually disappears by itself.
If a doctor recommends treatment, it usually involves shampooing your scalp, gently brushing away the scales when soft, or applying medication to the scalp.
Using a mild shampoo and gently removing skin flakes for dandruff can help.
People can see a doctor for advice if the condition is severe or gets in the way of a personâs daily life.
Conclusion
Scalp infections can be of different types, leading to hair loss.
It can be uncomfortable, but usually, the treatments are simple.
Therefore, visiting a doctor or dermatologist once the symptoms appear is better.
This can be of great help with a quick diagnosis and treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of infection makes your hair fall out?
Infections and illnesses can also cause hair loss. A high fever or infection can cause temporary hair loss. There may be fungal skin infections or bacterial infections like syphilis due to these injuries.
Can hair infection cause hair loss?
A scalp infection can make your scalp scaly and sometimes inflamed. On your scalp, you may see what looks like tiny black dots. These are, in fact, short pieces of hair, leading to hair loss.
Can a bad infection cause hair loss?
Infections and illnesses can also cause hair loss. A high fever or a bad condition can cause temporary hair loss.
How can we prevent hair infection?
You can use antifungal medication such as foams, shampoos, and ointments. You can prevent infections by practicing good hygiene for your head and keeping your scalp dry and clean.
How long does a hair infection last?
The opening of the skin where the hair grows is the follicles. It takes seven to ten days for the hair infection to recover.
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