Irritated scalp
Our scalp is exposed to many strains nowadays. These include, for example, the dry air caused by heating in winter and frequent washing, which deprives the scalp of its natural protection (the fat!). Often the scalp then tends to dry out and this leads to unpleasant itching.
Dermatologists recommend using shampoos containing urea.Urea is nothing other than urea, it can bind moisture and thus counteracts the drying of the scalp. If the symptoms such as itching, pain or even scalp scaling do not improve, you should consult a dermatologist, especially if severe redness or open skin areas become visible. In this case, the dermatologist can find out whether it is a fungal or bacterial infection and prescribe an appropriate medical product with an antimycotic agent against fungi or an antibiotic against bacteria.
The head fungus
The term “scalp fungus” refers to an infestation and infection of the scalp by skin fungi, also known as dermatophytes. Especially children are affected by this disease. Carriers of the two most frequently triggering fungal forms are usually infected pets, such as dogs, cats, hamsters and guinea pigs, but also sick persons are a source of infection for others.
In the area of the affected parts of the scalp, the hairs break off near the skin. These sharply defined areas resemble a mowed down cornfield. The scalp underneath may also appear more scaly in comparison, but also have a completely healthy appearance.
However, even if it appears inconspicuous, the scalp is irritated and, due to the fungal attack, more susceptible to additional infection (superinfection) by bacteria that can also be found on the skin of healthy people. If this is the case, the wound surface appears weeping and purulent. In the worst case, the inflammation spreads to the hair roots, causing hair to fall out.
If the roots are completely destroyed, the infected areas remain bald for a lifetime. For diagnosis, the doctor takes a small sample of the scalp. This can be examined under the microscope for fungal infestation, and it is also possible to cultivate the fungus in a culture with subsequent identification.
If the fungus-affected areas are not superinfected with bacteria, local treatment with fungicidal ointments or shampoos is usually sufficient. The areas that are not obviously affected, i.e. the entire scalp, should also be treated, as fungi have usually accumulated there as well. It can take up to 8 weeks until the scalp is free of dermatophytes.
The treatment time can be shortened by cutting off the hair. It is important not to interrupt the therapy, even if the first visible results have already been achieved. If the therapy is terminated too early, there is a risk that some fungi have survived the previous therapy and are now able to cause a new infection of the scalp.
In severe cases, it may be advisable to take anti-fungal drugs (antimyotics) in the form of tablets, although not all of them are well tolerated by children and are therefore not suitable for them. It is therefore advisable to consult a doctor and to let him or her advise you on the appropriate therapy. In order to avoid a renewed infestation, all cuddly toys, covers, pillows etc. should be cleaned as well, because the fungi survive for a short time in them and are therefore a source of infection. A strengthening of the immune system is not only the best prevention for head fungus infections, but also for pathogens of any kind and is therefore especially recommended.
