Hair Loss Caused By Fungus

Among the many causes of hair loss, 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 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. With the right treatment which usually takes the form of oral medication in children, the condition is curable and reversible.

Fungal Infection of the Scalp

Tinea Capitis is caused by the Trichophyton or Microsporum, which is a specie of fungus that generally occurs in prepubescent kids. The fungal infection is epidemic mostly in African American communities. The ringworm fungus thrives in the soil and often gets to humans from pets that get in contact with the organism. Cats are common carriers. As a contagious scalp disease, combs and hair accessories used by infected people can be carriers as well.

It can be a mild infestation or in its severe case called kerion, lesions can erupt with widespread hair loss that has no pattern. Hair usually becomes fragile and frequently breaks. If you suspect fungal inspection, be sure to get immediate consultation with your doctor who can conduct a slide or culture to determine the kind of fungus infecting your scalp.

Possible Treatments and Side Effects

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 kerion 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.

by: carolkyle

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