Fungal head skin: symptoms and treatment

Fungal scalp is a problem that often occurs in modern dermatology. And although the first stages of the development of the disease can occur without any visible symptoms and do not cause discomfort to the person, treatment is necessary here. In the absence of therapy, fungal infections can lead to partial or complete alopecia.

Where does the scalp come from?

Dozens of varieties of fungal skin lesions are known in modern medicine . Each disease is accompanied by different symptoms. As for the causative agents themselves, there is a very large group of pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic microorganisms capable of affecting the scalp.

Transmission paths can also be different. But in most cases, you can catch an infection during close contact with a sick person. Sometimes there is a domestic infection when sharing hygiene items, towels, combs, bed linens, etc.

Undoubtedly, the outbreak of activity of opportunistic fungi - saprophytes - can 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, the fungus of the scalp is often observed against the background of a decrease in the body's defenses. Risk factors also include diseases of the endocrine system and failures of the hormonal background.

The most common lesions of the scalp include seborrhea, epidermophytosis, trichophytosis, colorful lichen and favus.

Fungal head skin: symptoms and signs of disease

The clinical picture directly depends on the type of infection and the severity of the disease. Nevertheless, there are some common symptoms. Fungus of the scalp, usually accompanied by dry skin and severe itching. Most lesions have an oval shape.

The main symptoms include redness, and sometimes swelling of the scalp. Since infected with fungi, it becomes dry, sensitive and covered with microcracks, often the disease is associated with secondary infection. In turn, with this complication, small pustules are often formed. As the disease progresses, the skin begins to peel off and is covered with crusts of white, yellowish or even brown color.

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 hairs break off approximately 5-7 millimeters from the surface of the skin, and the remaining fibers acquire a whitish color.

How to treat the scalp fungus?

With a similar problem, it is best to contact a dermatologist or trichologist at once. After all, only a specialist knows how the fungus of the scalp looks, symptoms, treatment of the disease. But do 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 mass of really effective antifungal medicines. Typically, for this purpose, special shampoos, gels or hair masks containing ketoconazole and other active substances are used. In particular, shampoo "Nizoral" is considered quite effective today. In more severe cases, systemic treatment is required - patients are prescribed the use of such drugs as "Fluconazole", "Levorin" and "Terbinafine".

You can use some methods of traditional medicine. For example, in the water for washing your head, you can add a few drops of tea tree oil, jojoba or eucalyptus, as they have antiseptic properties, simultaneously moisturize and soothe the skin.