When the stress of daily life and other stressors are taken into account, it will be seen that there are many factors for hair loss. Fungal infections are one of them. Fungal and yeast infections can lead to the loss of not only hair, but also other body hair, such as eyebrows and eyelashes.
If hair suddenly falls out and red and exfoliation occurs on the scalp, then the cause of this condition may be a fungal infection. Although this problem usually affects children, it can also occur in adults.
How does a scalp fungal infection cause hair loss? Is this situation permanent or temporary?
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How Do You Know If Hair Loss Is Caused by Fungus?
People who are experienced and expert in hair care can immediately understand whether the hair loss is caused by fungus. However, it should not be forgotten that fungal infections are a medical problem and a doctor’s examination should be done for this problem.
A very large proportion of people who experience shedding due to a fungal infection have a fungal species called tinea capitis. This type of fungal infection can easily be transmitted from person to person. In addition, those who suffer from a type called candidiasis, which causes thrush in the mouth and groin, are relatively more susceptible to this condition.
The infection, which develops from a fungal species called tinea capitis, has some unique symptoms and features. These can be listed as follows:
- Itching that increases over time and begins to feel uncomfortable
- Scaling of the skin around the hair follicles
- Areas of hair loss caused by fungal infection that is constantly increasing in size
- In the area where hair loss is experienced, the formation of a black dotted and bumpy appearance due to broken hair strands
- Infection and rash that also occurs in other parts of the body
There are also different types of fungi that result in hair loss; Trichomycosis and Piedra. Although these are less common, they can cause shedding.
Piedra is quite common in humid regions such as South America and Malaysia. Infections caused by this type of fungus are quite serious and can result in breakouts that lead to hair loss.
How is it diagnosed?
For the diagnosis, first of all, the specialist physician must perform a physical examination. The problem can be diagnosed by physical examination of the scalp. Purple and red spots are considered the most important sign of yeast fungus.
After the physical examination, a sample is taken from the scalp if necessary. A scalpel or tongue suppressor can be used for this. The sample taken is examined by the laboratory technician and thus the diagnosis is made.
How to Prevent Scalp Fungal Infection?
The most effective way to prevent fungal infection of the scalp is hygiene. When the rules of hygiene are observed, the risk of the occurrence of such an infection will also be significantly reduced. Apart from this, the use of antifungal medication, anti-fungal shampoos are other common options.
Some simple precautions to be taken other than hygiene also ensure that the risks are seriously reduced. The most important measures at this point can be listed as follows:
- Adopt healthy eating habits. Limit the consumption of sugar, starch and alcohol.
- Wear a hat only when necessary.
- Reduce steroid use or quit altogether.
- Apply homemade cures that positively affect hair health (apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, etc.).
What are the Treatment Methods?
In the answer to the question of how hair grows after a scalp infection, the right treatment is very important. The fact that fungal infections are among the common causes of hair loss today has led to the development of different treatment methods against this disorder. While some of the treatments in question are medical treatments, the other part is natural treatment methods.
Read Also: Can My Hair Grow Back After Hair Loss?
Medical Treatment Methods
Medical treatments are treatments that are aimed at the definitive elimination of the problem. These must be carried out in accordance with the doctor’s approval and instructions. The medical treatment methods used for yeast infection are:
o Take the medications your doctor has indicated
There are common remedies used to remove hair loss caused by fungal infection and to regrow hair. The main ones are griseofulvin, fluconazole, itraconazole and terbinafine. When this type of medication is prescribed by your doctor, take care to use it in accordance with your doctor’s instructions.
Do not stop using the medicine, even if your infection appears to have passed after use. For 2 weeks or more after the infection has passed, it is necessary to continue to use the drug. Otherwise, the infection may recur. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions in this regard.
o Use Prescription Shampoo
Depending on the general condition of the infection in your scalp, antifungal shampoo may be prescribed alongside antifungal medications. Take care to use the shampoo according to your doctor’s instructions.
Focus on cleansing your scalp with the prescribed shampoo. You can read the instructions for use on how many minutes or how long you should wait after applying the shampoo.
o Apply Topical Antifungal to Your Scalp
For a serious and persistent scalp infection, your doctor may recommend that you apply a topical antifungal agent. It will be useful to apply a thin ointment to the scaly areas of your scalp. You need to be sure to cover the scaly patch and the outside of this area with ointment.
You need to follow your doctor’s instructions about how often to use topical antifungal medication.
o Avoid Pulling Your Hair Tight and Using Long-Lasting Hats
Tightly picking hair or using a hat for a long time will cause the fungus to stick to the scalp. Accordingly, the treatment process becomes difficult. You should leave your hair as loose as possible and stay away from hair care products such as jelly and foam. It should also be remembered that in the treatment of fungal infection, short hair has no effect.
o If Your Hair Does Not Grow Back, Consult a Doctor
Approximately 6-12 months after the fungal infection has passed, the hair will grow back. If you still do not grow hair 12 months after treatment, you should see your doctor. In this interview, you can discuss different treatment methods.
When your hair starts to grow back, it may seem infrequent at first. This is perfectly normal. Over time, your hair thickens and returns to its normal state.
o Try Corticosteroid Injections to Regrow Hair
Corticosteroid injections are an important treatment option for fungal infections. However, while these injections are good for some patients, they do not have any effect in others. So you need to discuss the advantages and risks of this treatment with your doctor. In addition, the treatment method may not be suitable for children.
o Talk to Your Doctor for Low Level Laser Treatment
In this method, there is a practice of sending a controlled beam of bright light to the hair follicles. After applying this treatment to some patients, the hair grows. However, it is not a treatment that has the same effect on everyone. You can talk to your doctor to see if low-level laser treatment is a suitable method for you. This treatment may not be suitable for children.
Natural Treatment Methods
Apart from medical treatments, there are also natural treatment methods for hair loss due to fungal infections. Details of commonly used natural treatment methods are as follows:
o Eat a Healthy and Balanced Diet
A diet consisting of lean proteins, whole grains, fruits and vegetables will contribute to the treatment of yeast infection. It is very important that there is no nutritional deficiency and that a healthy eating habit is acquired. This can make the treatment process more successful and shorter.
You can use a multivitamin with the approval of your doctor to support hair growth in this process. Multivitamins, which include supplements such as biotin, folic acid and vitamin E, will support your hair health.
o Stay Away from Stress
Stress is one of your most important enemies in this process. You should take care to stay away from stress as much as possible. You can try to stay away from stress through methods such as meditation and yoga. Apart from these, it can also be good to take care of your hobbies, spend time with your friends and play with your pet.
Stress alone is considered a cause of hair loss. Exposure to intense stress in the process of fungal infection will lead to a further deterioration of things.
o Disinfect Your Hand Frequently
You should disinfect your hands frequently to protect yourself from fungal infection. If you touch your scalp after coming into contact with someone or an animal that has become infected, you may become infected. If you have an infection, you can infect different people in this way. Wash your hands with soap and water to avoid such negativity.
Do not share your personal belongings with different people and avoid common use. In particular, the joint use of items such as towels, hats and brushes can cause you to get sick.
o Give a Peppermint Oil Massage
You can apply the mixture consisting of 4-5 drops of peppermint oil and a tablespoon of olive oil to your scalp. You need to massage this mixture and feed it to your scalp. After a 10-15 minute massage, you can clean your hair with warm water and shampoo.
You need to get your doctor’s approval before combining this treatment with topical treatments or medicated shampoos.
Read Also: The 8 Best Essential Oils to Prevent Hair Loss and Regrow Hair
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Frequently asked questions about hair loss due to fungal infections and answers to them are as follows:
Will my hair grow back after a fungal infection?
Fungal infection of the scalp causes temporary hair loss. 6-12 months after the infection is treated, the hair begins to grow back and after a while it takes its former form. At this point, it is very important that you act according to your doctor’s instructions and recommendations. Thus, the healing of the infection and the re-growth of hair will be both shorter and smoother.
How long does it take for hair to grow back after the fungus?
6-12 months after the scalp fungal infection has healed, the hair will grow back. In this process, hats and similar products can be used to store areas with hair loss.
Can hair loss due to scalp infection be reversible?
Hair loss due to scalp infection stops completely after proper treatment and the lost hair begins to grow again.
Can mushrooms cause baldness?
As the fungus-borne infection spreads on the scalp, it leads to the brittle fortress of the hair. Exfoliations occur and, accordingly, bald patches are formed.
Bald patches can be painful. In addition, pustules, leaks and blisters may occur on the scalp. When not treated early, the problem can only get bigger.
Which Shampoo is Good for Hair Fungus?
Ketoconazole shampoo is a special shampoo that has been developed for the treatment of scalp fungal infection. It is also used in the treatment of different conditions such as psoriasis and persistent dandruff. These shampoos can be prescribed by your doctor or taken without a prescription. Always consult your doctor before use!
Read Also: Can A Dermatologist Help With Hair Loss? What to Expect?
Schedule a Consultation
If you are also suffering from hair loss caused by fungal infection, you should first choose an experienced doctor and a clinic with high medical competence in this field. Choosing the right doctor is the most important stage of treatment and allows you to get through this process smoothly.
Cosmeticium doctors have a great experience in answering the question of how hair grows after a fungal infection of the scalp. We use the experience we have for you and ensure that you get rid of the problem of spillage caused by fungal infection permanently. You can contact us immediately for further details and a free online consultation.
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