Associated symptoms | Yeast fungi on the scalp

Associated symptoms

Typical for a scalp infection with Malassezia furfur is the increased dandruff in combination with redness and possibly itching. Another characteristic feature is the so-called “wood shaving phenomenon” that can be observed: with a pronounced infestation, other parts of the body such as the neck, chest or back can also be affected.

• This describes how whitish scales can be removed by brushing the affected areas with a spatula, which resembles the appearance of planed shavings.

Scaling of the scalp in the context of bran fungus lichen is also accompanied by a skin rash, which is difficult to see on hairy skin when the scalp is isolated.

In people without scalp hairs or in case of an infestation on other parts of the body, the affected skin areas can be recognized by sharply defined, differently colored, small spots. Their color varies from whitish to brown to reddish, which is also the reason for the addition of “versicolor” in the medical name of the bran fungus lichen Pityriasis versicolor. Yeast infections of the scalp can cause increased hair loss.

This is caused by the strained, scaly scalp, which disrupts normal hair growth. If, on the other hand, itching also occurs, hair can fall out more often due to excessive scratching in the affected areas. These changes generally disappear completely after successful treatment of the yeast infection.

How are yeast fungi treated on the skin

The therapy of yeast fungi can be local or systemic (concerning the whole organism). The local therapy of the scalp is often carried out with pharmacy antimycotic shampoos (effective against fungi), which contain the active ingredient ketoconazole, among others. This prevents the multiplication of yeast fungi such as Malassezia furfur.

Possible other affected skin areas outside the scalp can be treated with creams containing ketoconazole. Other effective substances in creams or shampoos are aimed at reducing sebum production in order to remove the breeding ground for the yeast fungus.These are for example zinc pyrithione or selenium disulfide. They are often combined with antimycotic agents. In addition, for pronounced clinical pictures, there is the possibility of systemic therapy with antimycotic tablets containing substances such as fluconazole or itraconazole. However, this form of therapy can also cause more frequent side effects.