How often you should wash your hair depends largely on the individual hair type. However, washing your hair too rarely can lead to fungal infections of the scalp.
Various fungi and yeasts usually live on the scalp, which do not cause any problems if there is a healthy balance. But when conditions change, the risk of infection by pathogenic fungi increases. It can also lead to excessive reproduction and, as a result, to a pathologically large settlement of small creatures.
Lack of hygiene at the barber or hairdresser can promote head fungus
The medical term for head fungus is Tinea capitis. The disease is usually caused by pathogens of the same species Microsporum canis and Poetics TonsoranAs you know, the public health portal in Austria. Not only the head, but also the eyebrows and eyelashes can be affected. Head fungus is highly contagious and can be transmitted by infected, mostly healthy animals (mostly kittens). health.gv.at I was informed. It is also possible to transmit the infection from person to person, such as through infected objects such as hairbrushes or car seats.
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In addition to children, a large number of men are currently affected, as far as we know ZDF Today. doctor. explains Andreas Marona, a dermatologist at University Hospital Erlangen ZDF-Interview that A visit to the barbershop could be the reason. The highly contagious fungus can be transmitted by improperly infected razor blades or shaving heads. “Shaving your head can sometimes cause small infections. This may be enough for the fungal particles to penetrate the skin and lead to infection,” Marona said. ZDF.
As reported by Deutsche Apotheker Zeitung, other fungi can also multiply significantly on the scalp, such as Malassezia furfur yeast. But this is not contagious.
Symptoms that may indicate the presence of a fungal infection in the hair
There are initial warning signs that could be a sign of a sore scalp and a fungal infection. These include:
- Itchy: Severe itching of the scalp, which occurs especially after washing or when sweating, is a common sign.
- Metrics: Increased scales that exceed normal levels may indicate the presence of a fungal infection.
- Redness and inflammation: The scalp may appear red, irritated, and inflamed.
- Oily hair: Fungi can increase sebum production in the scalp, leading to oily hair.
- Hair loss: In advanced cases, fungal infection can lead to hair loss.
Scalp fungus: what causes it?
There are many factors that promote scalp fungi, including:
- Oily hair: Excess sebum provides a breeding ground for fungi.
- Immunodeficiency: A weak immune system can weaken the defense against fungal infections.
- pressure: Stress can affect sebum production, increasing the risk of fungal infections.
- Tight head cover: Hats and helmets can limit air circulation to the scalp and create a moist environment in which fungi thrive.
- Improper head hygiene: If you wash your hair incorrectly, too often or too rarely, you cause a disruption in the skin's protective barrier, which can become an entry point for pathogens that cause disease.
Here you can find out how often you should wash your hair, depending on your hair type, to keep your scalp healthy.
Do you suspect you have head fungus?
If you suspect a fungal infection in your hair, you should consult a doctor or dermatologist. Diagnosis is usually made through clinical examination and, if necessary, a scalp biopsy. Depending on the type of fungus and the severity of the infection, different treatment options are possible, such as antifungal shampoos, creams or medications.
In short, washing your hair infrequently is not the only risk factor for fungal growth in hair, but it can contribute to it.
This article only contains general information about the health topic in question and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It does not, in any way, replace a visit to a doctor. Our editorial team is not permitted to answer individual questions about medical conditions.
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