Scalp Fungus Hair Loss: Causes and Treatment Options

Fungal infections of the scalp are a common cause of hair loss. If you suffer from symptoms such as itching or dandruff on the scalp, a fungal skin infection could be the cause.

These skin conditions, which manifest as yeasts and yeast-like fungi, can occur on all parts of the body and can lead to tufts or large areas of hair loss on the head.

As a fungal infection does not cause any pain and is often not visible on the scalp in the early stages, it is usually recognized much too late and therefore not given the proper treatment. In the case of hair loss, bald patches, and even lesions caused by a common fungal infection, it can be assumed that the infection has been present for some time and the affected areas should be treated immediately. In our blog, we tell you what you can do about scalp fungus and how you can prevent it.

What is the connection between scalp fungus and hair loss?

A fungal infection restricts the nourishment supply to the hair follicles, causing the hair roots to loosen. For example, folliculitis is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become inflamed or infected. The result is an inflammation of the affected area of the body. It is a disease that penetrates into deeper layers of the skin and does not just affect the surface of the skin.

Scalp fungus is contagious, spreads quickly, and does not heal on its own. The scalp affected by the fungus is very itchy and eventually leads to the loss of the hair on all affected areas creating bald patches and sometimes even lesions.

The best protection against such infections is prevention by avoiding infection and creating an environment in which the disease cannot spread. In the case of a fungal infection of the scalp, hair will grow back in the affected areas if professional treatment is sought.

Causes and progression of the condition

Scalp fungus is no different from other fungal diseases in terms of its causes and effects. The risk of a fungal infection of the scalp is particularly high in the warmer months of the year, as high temperatures and humidity provide an ideal environment for these infections. There are different types of fungi, some of which occur more frequently on the scalp and develop invisibly under the hair.

Damp, air-dried hair or close contact with dogs and cats are common causes of scalp fungal infections. Hair loss is a natural consequence of the infection, as the fungal spores penetrate deep into the scalp and disrupt the supply of nutrients to the follicles. Scalp fungus can be caused by various things, such as sharing hairbrushes, combs or towels, as well as close contact with infected people or animals.

Poor hygiene, such as unclean hair care products and damp hair that is not dried properly, also encourage infection. A weakened immune system, frequent visits to communal facilities such as swimming pools or gyms and contact with farm animals increase the risk. To prevent scalp fungus, you should pay attention to your personal hygiene, avoid sharing hair care products, and avoid contact with potentially infected animals.

Symptoms of scalp fungus

Before visible symptoms appear, the scalp begins to itch and/or tighten. Slight redness and dandruff at the hairline and above the ears are also indications of scalp fungus that should be taken seriously. Bald, sharply defined areas on the scalp are a sure sign of severe infestation.

If your hair suddenly becomes brittle, breaks off during the growth phase for no apparent reason and the scalp in the affected areas is red and flaky, you are most likely suffering from scalp fungus. In addition to hair loss, this can lead to blistering, severe swelling and grey patches on your scalp. Scalp fungus can be caused by various things, such as sharing hairbrushes, combs or towels, as well as close contact with infected people or animals. Poor hygiene, such as unclean hair care products and damp hair that is not dried properly, also encourage infection.

A weakened immune system, frequent visits to communal facilities such as swimming pools or gyms and contact with farm animals increase the risk. Ringworm of the scalp in particular, a common form of fungus found on the scalp, is characterized by scaly, inflamed areas and often leads to severe itching. If left untreated, scalp fungus can lead to abscesses, scarring and hair loss, especially in neurodermatitis patients. Antifungal medications such as Terbinafine are effective against these infections. Professional treatment is important in order to avoid permanent damage and scarring.

Prevention and treatment

To avoid scalp fungus and hair loss, you should take certain precautions:

– Avoid sharing brushes, combs, towels and washcloths.

– Textiles that have been in contact with the infected person should be treated using chemothermal methods.

– Use a 90°C wash program with a bleach detergent.

– Designate a separate area in the bathroom for the affected person’s personal toiletries and wipe the surfaces daily with a disinfectant.

– Have pets examined by a vet.

Um Kopfhautpilz und Haarausfall zu vermeiden, solltest du bestimmte Vorsichtsmassnahmen treffen:

Hair transplantation at HAIR & SKIN following scalp fungus

A hair transplant can be an effective treatment after a fungal infection of the scalp that has led to scarring and permanent hair loss.

After successful fungal treatment and complete scalp healing, hair follicles can be harvested from healthy areas and transplanted into affected areas.

This improves the appearance and gives a boost to one's self-confidence. It is important that the scalp is free of infection and that the procedure is carried out by a qualified specialist in order to achieve optimal results.

How effective are shampoos against scalp fungus?

Antifungal shampoos, such as ones containing selenium sulfide, are offered when scalp fungus is diagnosed. However, over-the-counter products do not guarantee effectiveness. Different types of fungus require special treatments. For example, combating the Microsporum genus will require a different than the trichophyton tonsurans fungus which causes ringworm of the scalp.

Medical treatment is necessary as the infection does not disappear on its own. In such cases, it is important to receive exactly the right medication to combat the infection. These gentle cleansers can reduce some fungal infestation, any flaking or scabs, eczema or psoriasis. Doctors may also prescribe certain medications such as itraconazole (used to treat serious fungal or yeast infections), ketoconazole (when applied topically, it can treat scaly areas on the skin or scalp a.k.a. seborrheic dermatitis), Griseofulvin (for ringworm, "jock itch," and athlete's foot), and other forms of medications.

Home remedies to treat fungal infection of the scalp

Scalp fungus can be uncomfortable and stubborn, but there are some home remedies that can provide relief:

• Tea tree oil: It is known for its antifungal properties and, when diluted in small amounts with a carrier oil and massaged into the scalp, can help fight the fungus.
• Apple cider vinegar: Its acidic nature creates an unfavorable environment for fungus; a mixture of equal parts apple cider vinegar and water can be used as a rinse after shampooing.
• Aloe Vera: It offers soothing and healing properties and can be applied directly to the affected scalp.
• Garlic: It also has antifungal properties and can be applied to the scalp when crushed and mixed with a little water.

It is important to use these products regularly and to ensure that they do not cause irritation. However, a doctor should always be consulted if symptoms persist or are severe. Using homemade creams, including antifungal creams, also helps wonderfully on patches of hair loss and promotes the regrowth of new hair.

Types of fungi that promote hair loss

Not every scalp fungus (also known as Grind lichen; Tinea capillitii; Kerion Celsi; Trichophytia capillitii; Tinea capitis) leads to hair loss. A medical diagnosis is essential.

The types of fungi that can cause hair loss on the scalp are divided into three categories:

– Dermatophytes: filamentous fungi that are transmitted by animals and are responsible for more than 90% of all infections across Europe.

–  Malassezia spp.: is a genus of lipophilic yeasts which can also cause hair loss.

– Fungi that cause trichosporia: These species spread rapidly and are highly contagious.

Conclusion: Hair loss after scalp fungus can be treated

Scalp fungus is not a rare disease, but with the right hair treatment, it can be managed well. Infections and fungal diseases disrupt the supply of nourishment to the hair follicles. This undersupply can lead to hair loss which, if left untreated, becomes irreversible. You can recognize scalp fungus by brittle hair, itching, redness, and dandruff. Bald, sharply defined areas on the scalp are a sure sign of severe infestation.

If scalp fungus is suspected or in severe cases of fungal scalp disease, you should consult a dermatologist or trusted healthcare professional immediately for medical advice, who will prescribe the right medication. If the infection remains untreated, it can lead to permanent hair loss, which makes hair growth impossible and only a hair transplant can reverse. However, with medication such as antifungals and the right hair treatment, you can fight scalp fungus.