The scalp is a common site for yeast which causes infections is a condition that may be seen at any time however it is more prevalent in children.
There are a variety of factors that contribute to an infection of the scalp, but an increase in yeast is the main reason. There are a variety of shampoos, as well prescribed medications can be used to treat yeast infections in the hair.
Find out more about the signs of the condition, its causes, and treatments of scalp yeast.
The signs
Signs of an infection of the yeast on the scalp can include:
Red, itchy patches of different shapes
Purple patches or red
White scales, flaky and white.
The scalp is prone to abrasions and crusts. These could result in hair loss
Wet, white, soft areas
Pustules with a red-based base (pimples that are stuffed with pus)
Thin, white, or yellow scales of grease that appear on scalps (symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis infants, often referred to as the cradle cap)
Red, flaky, and greasy spots on scalp (symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff, for adults.)
Confusion of Symptoms
There are many other ailments of the scalp that could cause similar symptoms. It is important to speak with your physician whenever you notice a scalp itch to determine the root reason before using any of non-prescription or home remedies to treat yeast infections.
Complications
If an infection of thrush on scalp goes untreated, it can result in:
A build-up of dead skin cells and flake
Hair follicles are damaged
Hair loss (particularly for those suffering from hypothyroidism or an underactive thryroid)
The Reasons
Skin (and scalp) has a balance of yeast and bacteria which is commonly referred to as the natural flora of the skin. Certain kinds of bacteria (lactobacillus) aid in preventing an excessive amount of yeast from developing within the face. If the balance of nature is disturbed an infection with yeast can occur.
A yeast infection that affects the scalp results from the overgrowth of one of the two genera of yeasts, namely Candida or Malassezia. Numerous factors can trigger an infection of yeast in the hair, such as:
Certain medical conditions, such as those that affect immunity, such as cancer
A diet that is unhealthy: Eating the wrong amount of sweet and starchy food items
Utilizing certain kinds of products for personal grooming particularly those that contain harmful chemicals
Living in a humid, warm environment where yeast thrives
A condition known as Follicular Occlusion Syndrome: Hair follicles become restricted by the scaling (keratin) after which they break which causes inflammation
Hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes excessive sweating
Being diagnosed with diabetes mellitus that is not controlled
Injecting the systemic (oral or injectable) corticosteroids
Antibiotics are taken as a precaution.
The difference between Malassezia as well as Candida Yeasts
Some of the distinctions between Malassezia and Candida yeasts are:
Candida yeast can be the most frequent reason for fungal infections on the scalp and skin (particularly for people with immunocompromised conditions) as well as the main one reason for yeast infections that affect the genital system.
Malassezia yeast may be the root cause of many skin conditions like Malassezia Folliculitis (inflammation in the hair follicle) as well as tinea versicolor (abnormal coloration).
Diagnosis
A scalp infection caused by yeast can be identified during an exam. However, if your physician isn’t sure of the source of the infection, whether it’s Candida or Malassezia, some laboratory tests can be ordered.
A sample of the tissue comes from an area affected and then a microscopic inspection of the tissue. The size as well as its shape and size are scrutinized under microscopes to determine if it’s yeast or another type of yeast it is.
It’s crucial to identify the yeast genus that causes the root of scalp infections so that the correct antifungal treatment can be selected and will be the most effective against that specific kind of organism.
Treatment
Foams, ointments, and shampoos are the typical solution of choice for scalp problems that are caused by yeast. Antifungal medicines like fluconazole (brand name Diflucan) have been proven in research studies conducted on clinical trials to have at least 80% efficiency rate for treating Candida.
Medicines
Seborrheic dermatitis in mild cases due to Malassezia yeast may be managed with prescription medications like shampoos for dandruff, which contain active ingredients, such as
Selenium sulfide
Zinc Pyrithone
Coal Tar
Antifungal shampoos containing ketoconazole 2% (Nizoral) are typically used daily (or multiple times per week) for the long-term treatment of the dandruff. A ketoconazole dose every week for a single time may be recommended to stop the dandruff from returning after it is gone.
Sometimes, topical (on the face) corticosteroids can be used to treat chronic scalp irritation. However, some side effects may be experienced with prolonged use and this kind of medication is recommended for a short time period until the inflammation has subsided.
There are shampoos for corticosteroid use like fluocinolone 0.01 percent solution (Synalar) and betamethasone valerate 0.12 foam (Luxiq) that are usually used twice each week, with ketoconazole 3 % (Nizoral) every two weeks.
Shampoo Warns Children
Use of shampoos with medicated components have not been approved as to be safe by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for children younger than two years old, or for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.
Home Remedies
Home remedies to treat of scalp fungus are:
Eating foods rich in probiotics
Apple cider vinegar application, diluted
Hair oil tea tree shampoo
Emollients
Home remedies for any kind of illness (including fungal diseases) are not recommended without consulting your doctor.
Prognosis
After treatment the scalp infection due to yeast typically heals in between two and eight weeks, contingent on the effectiveness of antifungal medications. The stronger prescription medicines are so they tend to perform faster.
Prevention
Methods to stop scalp yeast recurrence comprise:
Keep your scalp clean and dry, and practicing good hygiene
Consuming a balanced, healthy diet
Preventing the misuse of antibiotics
Beware of wearing caps, hats, hoods and scarves as far as is possible
Summary
A scalp yeast infection is an imbalance in the flora of the skin due to an overgrowth of yeast like Candida as well as Malassezia. There are a variety of shampoos available over the counter products, along with prescription medicines are available to treat a yeast-related infection that affects the scalp. If you suspect that you’ve got yeast on your scalp, consult an expert in healthcare.
Frequently Answered Questions
Can yeast from Candida cause hair loss?
Yes it is true that an Candida yeast infection of the scalp could result in hair loss. It can happen in the event that hair follicles suffer damage because of the crust caused by infection. It is possible for anyone to experience this symptom, but those with hypothyroidism have a greater risk.
Do wet hair and sleep result in a scalp yeast infection?
Yes you can, but sleeping with hair that is damp can trigger a hair yeast infection. This is due to the fact that both types of yeast (Candida and Malassezia) thrive in humid and warm climates. If your hair isn’t dry prior to laying down to sleep this can encourage yeast growth and cause infections.
Who is at risk for an infection of the scalp yeast?
Anybody can get a scalp yeast infection however there are some that are more at risk. This includes those with:
A weak immune system
A stem cell transplant
Cancer
an organ transplant
HIV
In addition, those who take antibiotics could be at a greater risk.
