Everyone loses hair every day. Doctors even say that it is normal to lose 100 strands daily. Still, many worry when it comes to hair loss. There are reasons why some should worry especially if a person has a hair disease. Common hair diseases that are related to scalp infections are either caused by fungus, virus or bacteria.
Infections
Tinea capitis or ringworm of the scalp is one of the most common diseases that affect the hair. It is a ring-shaped patch that is red on the sides and the center is usually light in color. This spot is scaly and inflamed. It may even have blisters filled with liquid or pus which may ooze.
The fungus spreads to the hair follicle which causes the hair to be brittle and fall out. Some of them are the Microsporum audouinii fungus which is the most common cause of ringworm, Microsporum gypseum which is carried by pets (mostly cats), Trichophyton tonsurans which can be found in US and Latin American Countries, Trichophyton schoenleinii in Southern Europe, Trichophyton megninii in Africa, and Trichophyton violaceum in the Middle East.
This infection goes away without treatment if the fungus is mild. To totally eliminate the chances of this infection to recur, it is best to take medication prescribed by a physician. You can take Griseofulvin or other anti-fungal drugs like Terbinafine, Itraconazole, and Fluconazole that treat ringworm.
Alopecia Areata
This is a hair disease that can be diagnosed with a gentle tug on a lump of hair near the infected area. This condition makes an affected person lose hair in patches and of different sizes. The person´s immune system attacks the hair follicles causing the patches. Around 0.1 - 0.2% individuals all over the world has this case. It is not contagious and is more common in females.
Some types of alopecia areata are: areata totalis, alopecia areata universalis, alopecia areata monocularis and alopecia areata multilocularis. These types vary by number and areas of spots affected.
Some patients prefer to grow hair naturally and without treatment if the affected area is small. Some take medications like corticosteroids which can be injected or applied to the affected areas. Topical drugs like rogaine or minoxidil are topical sensitizers that are used to treat the condition and cause hair growth.
Scarring Alopecia
This disease is one of the major causes of hair loss around the world. Also known as cicatricial alopecia, this condition affects men and women from all age group. This is a medical condition where the hair follicles are inflamed due to infection.
It starts in small patches which gradually expand. Most cases go unnoticed but there are few instances when the patches hurt, itch or have a burning sensation. It appears red in color which may be lighter or darker than the normal skin.
This condition should be studied carefully by getting a sample tissue or biopsy since this condition presents itself under the skin. Through biopsy, the severity and the cause of scarring alopecia will be determined.
Immediate treatment is needed to prevent irreversible damage to the hair follicle. Treatment is extensive and should be maintained by an individual affected with this condition. Usually, doctors prescribe antibiotics or topical creams. Injections can be used to treat the affected skin for faster results.
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