If you’re experiencing hair problems, such as baldness or hair loss, you might be wondering how to make it better. Many factors contribute to the health of your hair. The most important is diet, but there are other things you can do to help it out as well.
Tinea capitis
Tinea capitis is a fungus infection that affects the scalp and can result in poor hair health. This condition is often found in children, but adults can also get it. It can cause a variety of symptoms, including itching, baldness, redness, or a rash.
Tinea capitis can be caused by a number of different fungi. These fungi are called dermatophytes. They thrive in warm, moist conditions, like tropical regions. They can live on the skin, on the nails, or on objects such as brushes, helmets, or combs.
To diagnose tinea capitis, your doctor will examine your scalp. He or she will also examine your hair. If your scalp looks infected, your doctor may scrape it or perform a punch biopsy. Then, your provider will examine it under a microscope.
Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition that affects the scalp. It causes greasy white or yellow scales to form on the scalp. The symptoms include itching and red patches.
During treatment, the goal is to reduce the itching and inflammation. Medicated shampoos are commonly used to treat this condition. They can help relieve itching and redness and heal the scalp.
A doctor may prescribe a prescription steroid or antifungal medication. For some people, a topical steroid or an oral medication is needed. These treatments should be used for a short period of time. If the symptoms persist, a visit to a dermatologist is necessary.
Over the counter treatments can be effective as well. You can try a shampoo that contains a topical antifungal drug like ketoconazole.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a common skin condition that affects the scalp. It causes scaly patches and redness. Fortunately, there are several treatment options to treat psoriasis. However, some people are at higher risk of developing the disease.
A healthy lifestyle can help reduce the frequency and severity of psoriasis flare-ups. Avoiding certain triggers can also help. For example, quitting smoking and stress management techniques can minimize the chances of flare-ups.
A doctor can also recommend medications that will treat the symptoms of psoriasis. These may include steroids. Steroids can reduce inflammation and normalize the production of cells. Prescription creams and ointments can also be prescribed. They are typically used twice a day for two weeks.
There are also over-the-counter treatments for psoriasis, which can be applied to the affected areas of the scalp. Over-the-counter products contain coal tar or salicylic acid, which can soften and remove scales.
Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal infection of the scalp. It causes hair loss, bald spots, and crusty, scaly lesions. If left untreated, it can spread, but a course of anti-fungal medication can eliminate ringworm.
To prevent ringworm, wash your hair regularly. Avoid touching ringworm-infected areas with your hands. Always wear gloves when petting animals, and do not share personal items such as toothbrushes or razors. Medicated shampoos can help treat ringworm, but you should always combine the treatment with oral medications.
You can take an oral antifungal medicine such as griseofulvin or terbinafine hydrochloride. These medications are usually taken for a period of eight to twelve weeks. They may cause liver injury, so you should monitor your liver function while taking the medication.
You can use a special dandruff shampoo, but don’t use it as frequently as you would a medicated shampoo. This will kill the spores causing ringworm, but it won’t completely clear the infection.
Alopecia areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease, which means that your immune system attacks your hair follicles. This attack is often accompanied by baldness.
Hair loss can be sudden or it may be ongoing. It can occur at any point in the life of a person with alopecia. Typically, the hair is lost in small, round patches. The patches may be full of short, broken hairs around the edges.
Hair regrowth can take months. If the inflammation has subsided, the regrowth can appear to be natural.
Although there is no cure for alopecia areata, treatment can help the hair grow back. Doctors can prescribe oral or topical medicines that can increase regrowth. Some patients will also benefit from professional counseling.
While alopecia areata is not a serious medical condition, the effects can be very distressing. Most people with this condition have no other symptoms. However, it is important to consult a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.