Scalp fungus is a condition caused by fungal infections under the skin. It can develop especially in the summer months due to the scalp remaining moist in hot weather. Some people may be more prone to fungal infections due to genetic factors.

People with weak immune systems tend to be susceptible to fungal infections. When hair and scalp are not cleaned regularly, microbial infections can increase. This can lead to the growth and spread of fungi. Sweat creates a suitable environment for fungi because it keeps the scalp moist.

Not sharing personal items, washing hair regularly, keeping hair dry and being in hygienic environments are important to prevent hair fungus.

• Contents
• What is Hair Fungus? Causes of Hair Fungus
• Scalp Fungus Symptoms
• Hair Fungus Treatment
• Ways to Prevent Scalp Fungus
• Frequently Asked Questions About Scalp Fungus

What is Hair Fungus? Causes of Hair Fungus

Scalp fungus is a condition that occurs in the scalp or hair due to an infection called dermatophytosis. This infection is among the diseases caused by fungi. Fungi settle in the upper layers of the scalp and can negatively affect the roots and skin tissue.

Hair fungus, caused by fungi such as Trichophyton, microsporum and epidermophyton, can occur due to factors such as the immune system being weak for a very long time, staying in humid environments or dirty conditions, lack of hygiene. Excessive sweating can also facilitate the development of fungi. Excessive sweat on the scalp helps fungi grow and spread more easily.

Fungus is contagious in most cases. At this point, using someone else’s belongings increases the risk of catching hair fungus. Using someone else’s towel, hat or comb can cause some infections to occur at the roots of your hair.

Scalp Fungus Symptoms

Hair fungus is an important disease that causes an infection that settles in the hair and scalp and multiplies. It can usually cause hair loss in infected areas. This loss occurs in round or oval shapes, in uncleaned areas or in constantly itchy spots.

In the later stages of the infection, hair follicles in the areas where hair loss occurs weaken, making it difficult for hair to grow back. In severe cases , hair loss can become permanent, so early diagnosis and treatment are very important. Symptoms of fungus on the scalp can be listed as follows:

• Alopecia(Ringworm)
• Itching
• Redness, swelling
• Flaking, dandruff
• Purulent swellings
• Pain, tenderness
• Bad smell
• Inflammation
• Undercover
• Yellowish spots
• Hair loss

If the scalp fungus is left untreated, the infection can spread and cause permanent damage to the scalp. Long-term infections can cause the hair follicles to weaken and lose their former strength. This leads to conditions such as hair rash and itching.

In some cases, you can observe white or yellowish spots on the hair follicles in the infected area. The cause of these spots is generally known as keratin deposits formed by fungi.

Pimple-like sores can cause the infection to spread to more areas and cause irritation. In some cases, these lesions merge together to form large swellings. As the fungal infection progresses, there is swelling and inflammation on the scalp . The appearance of pus-filled vesicles is considered a sign of deep infection.

Fungal infections emit a very bad smell. The toxins and inflammation produced by fungi can reach an unpleasant level by creating an irresistible bacterial odor.

As a result of the spread of fungi on the scalp, there may also be severe pain and tenderness in the affected areas. Symptoms that are often observed include tightness, pain or tenderness in the infected areas. Fungi can negatively affect the roots that feed the hair, causing scalp infection and inflammation.

Hair Fungus Treatment

Treatment for scalp fungus may vary from person to person, depending on the type of infection observed, its severity, and the speed at which it spreads. Scalp problems, which can lead to much more serious damage if left untreated, are resolved with various effective methods.

Antifungal shampoos and creams are widely preferred in the treatment of fungus. These shampoos may contain ketoconazole, selenium, sulfite, chlorocresol and zinc pyrithione. When applied regularly to the hair, it is recommended to wait a few minutes.

Fungal cream can be preferred to eliminate infections that occur at the roots of the hair. This treatment provides effective results in the early stages. In cases where the fungal infection has spread and does not go away with shampoo, oral antifungal medications can be used. At the same time, regular hair washing is required to prevent the spread of hair fungus.

Ways to Prevent Scalp Fungus

In order to avoid hair fungus disease, some details need to be taken into consideration. These details are listed as follows:

• It is very important not to share personal items such as combs and hats and to change bedding frequently.
• Antiseptic solutions can be used to prevent the fungus from spreading further into the skin.
• Tea tree oilis a product known for its antifungal properties. It can be said that it produces effective results when applied to the hair after dilution.

There are some points to be considered during the treatment process. In order to prevent the infection from reoccurring, the treatment is continued until it is completed. During the treatment, it is very important that the hair is completely dry, kept clean and that other people’s belongings are not used. Consulting a dermatologist before starting the treatment, making a correct diagnosis and treatment plan plays a big role in achieving effective results.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scalp Fungus

How is hair fungus transmitted? 

Hair fungus, which is caused by a fungal infection, can usually be transmitted through direct contact. The risk of transmission is quite high when you directly touch the hair or scalp of an infected person. Factors such as sharing personal items, pets, common areas and places, and weak or damaged hair carry the risk of transmission.

Can hair fungus be treated?

The time it takes to start treatment is important in the hair fungus treatment phase. Hair fungus causes hair loss when left untreated, but it is possible to prevent hair loss with early treatment. There are many effective treatment methods, and when applied correctly, it is possible to get positive results. When hair fungus is treated, the hair that has fallen out grows back over time.

Does hair fungus go away on its own? 

Hair fungus is eliminated with a suitable treatment method. If left untreated, the fungus is likely to spread to a wider area. The infection deepens as it spreads to healthy cells and can become untreatable. It does not go away on its own and carries the risk of bacterial infection. Hair loss increases and treatment becomes difficult in later stages. The risk of infecting other people during this process is quite high. Early diagnosis and a correct treatment method are required to prevent permanent hair loss.

How to prevent hair fungus?

There are a few important steps you can take to prevent the formation of hair fungus. It is very important to wash your hair regularly and dry it sufficiently. Sharing personal items such as combs, brushes, pillows or towels can pose great risks. Therefore, it is recommended not to share personal items. Paying attention to hygiene rules in areas such as pools, gyms or schools is protective against hair fungus.

What happens if hair fungus is not treated? 

If left untreated, hair fungus can damage the hair follicles from the roots, which can lead to hair loss. In advanced stages, permanent baldness can develop, permanent scars on the skin, spots, the spread of infection, the risk of bacterial infection, long-term itching and other health problems can occur.

Is hair fungus more common in children? 

Hair fungus can be observed much more in children. When the immune system in children is not developed enough, they can be vulnerable to such infections. Children can have more contact in social environments. Close contact and sharing common items increase the risk of hair fungus. Lack of hygiene habits creates an environment suitable for the growth of fungus.