The scalp can become infected with fungal or bacterial infections, which can cause damage and common skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema. Hair fungus can be treated by applying specialized creams or using medicated shampoos. to remove these infections. In this article, we will look at what are the causes of hair fungus, its symptoms and types of infection.

What is head fungus?

Normally, the skin contains a small amount of fungus that does not cause any problems, but when a lot of fungus grows together it can become infected.

Hair fungus is more likely to appear when hair follicles are unusually moist and not exposed to proper airflow.

Types of hair fungus infection

Scalp fungus and bacteria can cause common diseases, including:

1. Ringworm

Ringworm is a fungal infection that causes a ring-shaped mark on the skin. It may affect any part of the body, including the scalp. In this case, it is called tinea capitis.

Children are more likely to be infected with tinea capitis than adults, and anyone can become infected either through another person, an animal, or a damp environment, such as a public swimming pool.

So to reduce the risk of contracting this infection, people should not share towels or other personal items with someone who has tinea capitis.

2. Folliculitis

Folliculitis is an infection that occurs due to the growth of skin bacteria and fungi through damaged hair follicles. Scalp folliculitis may occur through:

• Shaving or plucking scalp hair.
• Lots of touching of the scalp.
• Wear tight hats or other headgear.
• Having hot and moist skin for a long time.

3. Impetigo

Impetigo is a common skin infection. In this type, Staphylococcus bacteria live on the skin and are mostly harmless, but they can cause damage if they enter damaged skin.

Impetigo infection most often affects children more than adults, and this bacteria can spread from person to person through skin-to-skin contact, sneezing, and coughing.

Impetigo causes red sores on the skin that can burst, leaving a yellow-brown crust behind, or it can cause large, fluid-filled blisters that break open and leave a sore.

Impetigo is highly contagious, so a person can avoid contracting the infection by staying away from school or work, washing their hands often, and covering sores or blisters with a bandage.

4. Fungal infections

In some rare cases, a person may develop a fungal infection of the scalp caused by fungi in the environment. One such example is Mucormycosis, a rare infection caused by fungi found in the soil.

People with a weak immune system are more likely to get a fungal infection than other people, and people can reduce the risk of a fungal infection by keeping wounds clean and covered. This is especially important when working around soil.

5. Seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis causes dry, red skin. Cradle cap, which appears on a baby’s scalp, is a form of seborrheic dermatitis.

Seborrheic dermatitis is one of the most common causes of dandruff in adults.

6. Scalp psoriasis

Scalp psoriasis is a long-term skin condition caused by a problem with the immune system, and according to one estimate, about half of all people with psoriasis develop it on the scalp.

7. Lichen planus

Lichen planus is a skin condition that causes shiny red-purple patches to appear on the skin, although lichen planus on the scalp is rare. However, it may appear on it, which may cause hair thinning in the area.

Symptoms of hair fungus

There are many signs and symptoms that may indicate a fungus infection, and these signs include one or more of the following:

• A red or purple rash.
• Cracks or spots on the skin.
• Areas that appear smooth, moist, and white.
• White blisters filled with pus.

In addition to the previous general symptoms, each disease caused by fungus in the head has its own symptoms, including:

• Ringworm symptoms: A red, scaly, bald patch anywhere on the scalp. This patch may spread all over the scalp, resulting in many separate patches.
• Symptoms of folliculitis: The appearance of a red ring around each hair follicle, which may cause pain or itching.
• Impetigo symptoms: The sores and blisters are often itchy and can be painful.
• Symptoms of fungal infections: Blisters or ulcers on the skin, which may cause pain, redness of the skin and a feeling of warmth around the infection area.
• Symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis: Feeling itchy, in addition to dry and peeling skin.
• Symptoms of scalp psoriasis: The skin appears thicker in patches, is red in color, and may have a thick crust on the scalp.
• Symptoms of lichen planus: Redness and irritation of the skin, and the presence of red-purple bumps on the scalp.

Hair fungus may cause symptoms that spread beyond the scalp, which include the following:

• feeling sick
• Digestive problems.
• Irritation of the genitals or urinary tract.
• Painful white lesions in the mouth, known as oral thrush.
• Sinus pain.

Causes of hair fungus

The growth of fungi or bacteria in the warm and moist areas of the scalp through hair follicles or damaged skin is one of the most important causes of scalp fungus.

But you may get fungus hair without these conditions, as sometimes the natural environment of your skin can become unbalanced. This can happen because:

• Medical conditions.
• Unhealthy diet.
• Pressure nervous.
• Take some medications.
• Some harsh chemicals in personal care products.