Ringworm of the Scalp

Fungal infection can occur due to not keeping the scalp clean. Also, this can happen due to fungus found in the air. There can be many reasons for fungal infection -

• Sometimes a fungal infection in the head can be caused by mucormycosis i.e. black fungus. This is a rare infection caused by a fungus found in the soil.
• This can also happen due to an allergy to some kind of medicine. Most can be caused by the use of antibiotics.
• It can be done by changing the diet.
• Fungal infection can also occur in the head due to stress.
• Uncontrolled diabetes can also be a reason for this.
• Due to the use of very strong chemicals and beauty products.
• There may be small cuts on your scalp, through which the fungus can enter and cause infection.
• People whose immune system is weak, they are more prone to fungal infection.

(Read More - Diet for fungal infection)

Fungal infection in the head can be treated in many ways. First of all, the doctor sees at what stage the fungus is. In some cases, it can be treated by changing the shampoo, while in some cases it can be treated with antifungal medicines. In some cases, there is also a need to give antifungal injections. Let us know in detail about the treatment of fungal infection in the head -

Antifungal medication

Research shows that antifungal medicines known as azoles, such as fluconazole (Diflucan) and allylamines, are successful in treating this problem. The success rate of these drugs in treating Candida is 80-100 percent.

In addition, major antifungal medications griseofulvin (Grifulvin V, Gris-PEG) and terbinafine hydrochloride (Lamisil) may also be prescribed for the fungus. These are oral medicines, which you take for about six weeks. Both have some common side effects which include diarrhea and stomach upset. Your doctor may recommend taking these medicines with high-fat foods such as peanut butter or ice cream. Nystatin or amphotericin B are antifungal medicines, which the doctor may prescribe depending on your condition.

(Read More - How to remove fungal infection marks)

Medicated shampoo or cortisone foam

The doctor may ask you to use a medicated shampoo to remove the fungus and prevent the spread of the infection. The shampoo contains active antifungal components. A medicated shampoo or cortisone foam with any of the ingredients listed below can be used. As -

• Ketoconazole
• Selenium sulfide
• Clotrimazole
• Econazole
• Oxiconazole
• Miconazole
• Naftifine
• Terbinafine

The medicated shampoo helps prevent the spread of the fungus, but it does not kill the fungus. In such a situation, doctors recommend using this shampoo along with some medicines. Using the medicated shampoo twice every week for a month may be recommended by the doctor. While using this shampoo, leave the shampoo on for 5 minutes, then wash off.

Home remedies

Some people use natural alternatives to treat scalp yeast infections. Here are some home remedies that you can try -

• Apple Cider Vinegar - To help loosen dead skin and reduce inflammation, apply apple cider vinegar mixed with equal amounts of water to the scalp.
• Coconut oil - Coconut oil is believed to have antifungal properties. You can use it on your own on straight hair.
• Essential Oils - Essential oils (tea tree oil, lavender oil, or lemongrass oil) have antimicrobial properties, which may help with fungal infections of the scalp. For this, you can mix 12 drops of coconut oil per 1/4 cup of essential oil and apply it to the scalp. Olive oil can also be used instead of coconut.

Recovery and reinfection

The fungus heals slowly, but it may take more than a month to see any improvement. In such a situation, you have to be patient and continue taking all the medicines as per the instructions of the doctor.

• The doctor may examine you in 4 to 6 weeks to make sure that the infection is getting better. The fungus can be difficult to get rid of and sometimes the infection can occur more than once. Sometimes severe conditions or long-term effects may also result in baldness like patches or scars.
• After starting the treatment of fungus, you should avoid coming in contact with more people, because by doing so others may also be afraid of getting fungus.
• Pets and other family members should be examined and treated if necessary. This will help prevent re-infestation.
• Do not share towels, combs, hats, or other personal items with other family members.
• You can disinfect the comb and brush of an infected person by soaking them in bleach water.
• Apart from this, it is necessary to do a patch test before using any product on the head. Try applying it on a small part of the skin, if there is no irritation or rash, then you can apply it on your head.

(Read More - Yoga for fungal infection)

Fungal infection in the head can be prevented by keeping some important things in mind. These are as follows -

• Consume things rich in probiotics.
• You can also use Apple Cider Vinegar.
• Can use diluted tea tree oil shampoo.
• Hair and scalp should be kept clean, neat, and dry.
• A balanced diet should be consumed.
• Overuse of antibiotics should be avoided.
• The use of caps, hoodies, and scarves should be reduced.
• Hard soap and chemical-filled shampoo should not be used.
• If there is excessive sweating after exercise, then the head should be washed thoroughly.
• Try to reduce stress.

(Read More - Homeopathic medicine for Fungal Infection)

If you have had an infection on your scalp for a long time, then a lot of flakes and dead skin can accumulate on the head. All these infections can cause hair loss. This is especially common in people who have hypothyroidism. Fungal infections of the scalp are common, which can be treated with OTC antifungal medications, medicated shampoo, or home remedies and prevent spreading to other parts of the body. Keep in mind, before treating scalp yeast infection in any form, you must consult a doctor.

(Read More - Ayurvedic remedies for Fungal Infections)