Does scalp fungus cause hair loss?

Table of contents

1. Can scalp fungus cause hair loss?
2. Trigger of the infection
3. What symptoms occur during an infestation?
4. The disease can cause hair loss
5. What species can cause the failure?
6. Why is treating scalp fungus so important?
7. What treatment options are there?
8. A hair transplant is the optimal solution

Can scalp fungus cause hair loss?

Scalp fungus is an infectious skin disease that most commonly affects children. However, anyone, regardless of age or gender, can be affected. These filamentous fungi's main food source is carbohydrates and keratin. The enzyme keratinase allows them to break down keratin, an important component of hair. Since the disease can continue to spread, you should consult a doctor immediately and begin treatment. If your scalp remains untreated for a long period of time, the scalp fungus can cause hair loss, resulting in numerous bald patches. Furthermore, the disease is contagious, meaning the fungus can be transmitted to other people.

Trigger of the infection

The disease can be triggered by various factors. Children are particularly affected because they often have close contact with pets, especially dogs and cats, which can transmit the fungus. If the infection is transmitted in this way, it is important to treat it as quickly as possible. Otherwise, the disease may recur after a short time. However, the infection can also be transmitted and spread by sharing a comb, towel, or headgear. The fungus can also spread easily if the hair is wet or damp for an extended period of time, as this provides the ideal breeding ground for the fungus. Incorrect hair care products and very oily hair are additional risk factors. A scalp injury that hasn't been treated for an extended period can also trigger fungal infections.

What symptoms occur during an infestation?

An infection manifests itself as red and scaly patches that can appear all over the scalp. In these areas, the hair may be partially broken. Furthermore, when infected with a fungus, the scalp is extremely irritated, sensitive, and often intensely itchy. Another symptom that can occur due to the infection is swollen lymph nodes in the neck and throat. In severe cases, the patches on the scalp become inflamed and can develop into fluid-filled bumps called kerions.

The disease can cause hair loss

In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, fungal infections on the scalp can also cause hair loss. The risk is particularly high if the fungus is not treated promptly. With scalp fungus, hair regrows if professional treatment is undertaken. Once the infection is treated, the problem usually heals on its own. However, it usually takes a very long time for the hair to return to its former glory. In the worst case, the hair roots in the affected areas die, meaning new growth can never occur there. The affected areas remain permanently bald. The fact that scalp fungus can cause hair loss is an additional burden for many sufferers.

What species can cause the failure?

There are three types of fungi that can cause your hair loss. These include:

• Dermatophytes (filamentous fungi)
• Malassezia (smut fungi)
• Fungi that cause trichosporia (Piedra)

Why is treating scalp fungus so important?

Treating the infection is extremely important, as hair loss can be triggered by fungi. Irreversible hair loss places enormous psychological stress on those affected, often diminishing self-confidence and self-esteem. Treatment is therefore very important for aesthetic reasons, as it can restore a new outlook on life. With scalp fungus, hair will grow back if professional hair treatment is performed. But hair loss caused by fungal infections isn't the only reason prompt treatment is essential. You should also act promptly, as the fungus won't go away on its own, and many scalp fungi are highly contagious. Treatment is therefore essential, as there's a high probability that you'll also infect others in your immediate environment. Another reason for prompt action is that, if left untreated, the infection can, in the worst case, spread further throughout your body. The resulting inflammation can cause the fungal infection to enter your bloodstream, which can even pose a serious risk to your internal organs. Treatment is therefore necessary for both aesthetic and medical reasons.

What treatment options are there?

Your doctor will determine the appropriate treatment for you. To treat fungal infections on the scalp, various medications in the form of tablets and tinctures are usually used. The effect of all these remedies is to inhibit fungal growth or kill the fungi. Such treatment usually lasts several months. Since the infection can recur immediately, the treatment should only be carried out for a short time. It is also recommended to treat the infection with a special antifungal shampoo to completely kill it. The best results are achieved when using a combination of tablets, mixtures, and shampoos. The special shampoo should also be used by everyone living in your household. This can prevent further infection. While the shampoo helps kill the fungus, it has no effect on hair growth . Once the hair roots are irreversibly damaged, the bald patches on the scalp remain permanently.

A hair transplant is the optimal solution

Even after treatment of the skin disease is complete, it's not uncommon for some bald patches to remain on the scalp. This is always the case if the infection described here has caused damage. In areas where the roots have died, new growth can no longer occur naturally. The only way to permanently fill these areas is hair implantation. During a hair transplant, follicular units are taken from the back of your head and then implanted into the bald areas of your scalp. After a certain period of time, the new hair follicles become firmly established and can form new, healthy hair growth. Dr. Balwi and the Elithair team perform hair transplantation using the proven FUE method, which achieves a particularly aesthetic result. A hair transplant offers you the opportunity to finally get rid of the effects of this infectious skin disease. Your new hair will give you renewed self-confidence and a boost of positive energy.