There are several ways to cure scalp fungal infections. The most
popular method is by using topical applications or antifungal shampoos.
Most dermatologists recommend the use of these chemicals which are
really quite effective. However, these products can cost a lot and in
this day and age, not many people are willing or able to spend a lot of
extra bucks on skin care.
Fortunately, there are other less
expensive ways to cure scalp fungal infections. You don't even need to
use special shampoos or creams if you don't want to. Just follow these
five simple guidelines and your scalp fungal infections will be
completely cured in no time at all.
1. Wash your hair everyday.
Taking
a bath is highly underrated. This very basic act is actually the most
important part of scalp hygiene. When you wash your hair, rinse off the
shampoo thoroughly. Leftover suds can pave the way for fungal growth in
your scalp.
Make sure, too, that you dry your hair completely
afterwards. Fungi thrive in moist and warm places. If you keep your head
dry and clean, you can avoid turning it into an attractive breeding
ground for these infection-causing bacteria.
2. Avoid scratching.
For
people with scalp fungal infections, scratching is a definite no-no.
Although the itch may be unbearable at times, try to restrain yourself.
Scratching might give you a momentary relief from the itchiness but it
will just worsen the infection in the long run.
3. Wear a hat outdoors.
This
will not only shield your hair and scalp from the sun but also protect
them from germs and bacteria that could worsen the scalp infection that
you have.
Furthermore, a hat will cover the unattractive bald
spots in your head that result from ringworm growth. It is also helpful
in keeping your hands away from your head, thus preventing scratching.
4. Use your own comb.
Sharing
combs, brushes or even hats with other people is a sure way of
spreading scalp fungal infections. Make it a practice to use your own
combs and other hair implements. This way, you can keep from
contaminating others and you can avoid contracting their infections as
well.
5. Take organic medication.
If you want to further
speed up your recovery from scalp fungal infections, you can apply some
natural substances to your scalp. The most popularly used are tea tree
oil, coconut oil, and grapeseed extract.
These substances are very effective in curing scalp fungal
infections but do not cost as much as their chemical counterparts.
Other than that, these are completely natural which means you will not
be experiencing any kind of unwanted side effects from using these
medications.
Showing posts with label itchy scalp. Show all posts
Showing posts with label itchy scalp. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Fungus Infection of the Scalp (tinea Capitis)
11:00:00 AM
There are several types of fungal infections which can infect the scalp. One of these is the ringworm commonly referred to as Tinea capitis. Ringworm infection of the scalp is extremely common world wide. It is predominantly an infection of toddlers and young children. The infection is quite obvious because it presents with constant itching, redden scalp and patches of hair loss. Despite the alarming symptoms, ringworm of the scalp is not life threatening. The most difficult problem is the treatment. When it is not adequately treated, it can be easily transmitted to friends and family.
Symptoms: Most children who have a ring worm infection will have some symptoms, but on rare occasions they will not have any. Constant and intense itching around the scalp is the most obvious sign. Other features of the infection include loss of hair in circular patches. Often the skin is red and tender. The hair loss is quite significant. Even the hair that remains can be easily pulled out without any tension. In almost all cases, ringworm infections of the scalp tend to increase in size if it is not treated. A small patch will generally infect other areas of the scalp. Besides infection of other areas of the scalp, ringworms can easily be transmitted to others: person to person transmission is quite common. Other modes of transmission include sharing personal care items, bed linen pillows and combs. Sometimes pets acquire the infection and can transmit it to humans.
Risk factors
Ringworm is most common in children who attend day care and kindergarten. Outbreaks of ringworm infections are quite common in North America and difficult to control. Even inanimate objects like pencils, door handles, chairs and tables can transmit this fungus. The risk of ringworm infection is also increased if:
- one has poor hygiene
- lives in overcrowded conditions
- has problems with excessive sweating
- shares personal care items in a large family
Once a ringworm infection of the scalp is suspected, it is important to seek help from a health care professional. This fungus is quite hardy and is easily transmitted to others in the home.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of tinea capitis is relatively simple. In most cases the dermatologist will be able to make a diagnosis based on the history and physical examination. If there is any doubt about the diagnosis, scrapings of the skin or hair can be examine underneath a microscope. In rare cases, the hair and skin are sent for culture.
Fungus of the scalp is not serious but can have social and health implications. If not treated, the fungus can causes a severe infection known as kerion. Kerion is basically collection of pus underneath the scalp. When the fungus has reached the stage of a kerion, most people are left with permanent hair loss and even scars.
Treatment
Once the diagnosis of tinea capitis is made, treatment of scalp infection includes a variety anti fungal medications. The most common medications are Griseofulvin and Terbinafine.
Griseofulvin is available as liquid and tablet whereas terbinafine is an oral capsule. These medications have to be taken for at least 4-6 weeks. Topical medications are not useful in the treatment of tinea capitis because they are not able to penetrate deep into the scalp and enter hair follicles. There is no shampoo or gel that is useful in the treatment of tinea capitis.
The medications work slowly and changes are gradual. In most cases, the pills must be taken for several weeks to notice a change in the condition of the scalp.
Prevention
Tinea capitis is best prevented, but prevention of this infection is quite difficult. The fungus is very easily transmitted. The majority of people acquire the fungus long before they have any symptoms. The only way to prevent the fungus is with the following approach:
Maintain decent hygiene. Clean or shampoos the scalp regularly. Regularly wash your hands and teach your children the same principles.
Do not share personal care items, especially in school or in any type of social gathering.
Teach your child to keep his/her personal locker/desk clean at school. After any outdoor activity, the clothes should be changed and personal items should not be shared.
Examine your child's scalp every now and then so that you can identify the infection at an early stage.
If you have pets, examine them and if they appear sick, take them to a veterinarian. If your pet is sick, do not touch the pet with bare hands.
If you suspect that your pet or child has an infection, buy selenium sulfide shampoo and use it regularly. If the infection appears to be getting worse, go to your health care worker or veterinarian.
Author: Bren Fisher
Symptoms: Most children who have a ring worm infection will have some symptoms, but on rare occasions they will not have any. Constant and intense itching around the scalp is the most obvious sign. Other features of the infection include loss of hair in circular patches. Often the skin is red and tender. The hair loss is quite significant. Even the hair that remains can be easily pulled out without any tension. In almost all cases, ringworm infections of the scalp tend to increase in size if it is not treated. A small patch will generally infect other areas of the scalp. Besides infection of other areas of the scalp, ringworms can easily be transmitted to others: person to person transmission is quite common. Other modes of transmission include sharing personal care items, bed linen pillows and combs. Sometimes pets acquire the infection and can transmit it to humans.
Risk factors
Ringworm is most common in children who attend day care and kindergarten. Outbreaks of ringworm infections are quite common in North America and difficult to control. Even inanimate objects like pencils, door handles, chairs and tables can transmit this fungus. The risk of ringworm infection is also increased if:
- one has poor hygiene
- lives in overcrowded conditions
- has problems with excessive sweating
- shares personal care items in a large family
Once a ringworm infection of the scalp is suspected, it is important to seek help from a health care professional. This fungus is quite hardy and is easily transmitted to others in the home.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of tinea capitis is relatively simple. In most cases the dermatologist will be able to make a diagnosis based on the history and physical examination. If there is any doubt about the diagnosis, scrapings of the skin or hair can be examine underneath a microscope. In rare cases, the hair and skin are sent for culture.
Fungus of the scalp is not serious but can have social and health implications. If not treated, the fungus can causes a severe infection known as kerion. Kerion is basically collection of pus underneath the scalp. When the fungus has reached the stage of a kerion, most people are left with permanent hair loss and even scars.
Treatment
Once the diagnosis of tinea capitis is made, treatment of scalp infection includes a variety anti fungal medications. The most common medications are Griseofulvin and Terbinafine.
Griseofulvin is available as liquid and tablet whereas terbinafine is an oral capsule. These medications have to be taken for at least 4-6 weeks. Topical medications are not useful in the treatment of tinea capitis because they are not able to penetrate deep into the scalp and enter hair follicles. There is no shampoo or gel that is useful in the treatment of tinea capitis.
The medications work slowly and changes are gradual. In most cases, the pills must be taken for several weeks to notice a change in the condition of the scalp.
Prevention
Tinea capitis is best prevented, but prevention of this infection is quite difficult. The fungus is very easily transmitted. The majority of people acquire the fungus long before they have any symptoms. The only way to prevent the fungus is with the following approach:
Maintain decent hygiene. Clean or shampoos the scalp regularly. Regularly wash your hands and teach your children the same principles.
Do not share personal care items, especially in school or in any type of social gathering.
Teach your child to keep his/her personal locker/desk clean at school. After any outdoor activity, the clothes should be changed and personal items should not be shared.
Examine your child's scalp every now and then so that you can identify the infection at an early stage.
If you have pets, examine them and if they appear sick, take them to a veterinarian. If your pet is sick, do not touch the pet with bare hands.
If you suspect that your pet or child has an infection, buy selenium sulfide shampoo and use it regularly. If the infection appears to be getting worse, go to your health care worker or veterinarian.
Author: Bren Fisher
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Itchy Flaky Scalp? Try This Simple Home Remedy
7:07:00 AM
Itchy flaky scalp getting you down? If you'll give me a couple of
minutes of your time I'll show you how a simple and little known herbal
remedy can get rid of your itchy flaky scalp once and for all.
An itchy flaky scalp can be caused by any number of things but often has to do with lifestyle, nutrition, infection or even an allergic reaction to the products you normally put on your hair. You see, most off-the-shelf products these days are so loaded with chemicals that in some cases they actually do more harm than good. Many anti-dandruff shampoos contain strong chemicals like Sodium Laureth Sulphate (the same ingredient used in engine degreasers), Propylene Glycol (found in antifreeze), and Silicone which is often found in leading brand conditioners and is used to add an artificial shine to your hair.
Apple Cider Vinegar is an excellent little home remedy that has been used for many, many years to get rid of an itchy flaky scalp and dandruff.
Try the following recipe:
Wash hair with a mild, pH-balanced shampoo. There's no need to use a dandruff shampoo because the apple cider vinegar will gradually disperse and get rid of the dandruff and itchy flaky scalp problem.
Mix together the apple cider vinegar with some warm water (2 parts vinegar to one part water). By adding a few drops of essential oils such as lavender or rosemary you will help to cleanse the scalp further and add a little fragrance to your hair. (Always remember to patch test oils in case of allergies, and always consult your doctor if you are pregnant).
Pour the mixture directly on to clean hair or alternatively put it in a bottle and spray onto your scalp. Massage it in and let the mixture dry on your hair. There's no need to rinse it out (unless the smell bothers you).
In case of more stubborn dandruff and itchy flaky scalp you can try a stronger mixture of vinegar to water, such as a one-to-one ratio. You could even try using the vinegar undiluted and applying it directly to the scalp. Leave it on for about 15 minutes and then wash the cider out with a mild, pH-balanced shampoo.
You'll get the best results if you use raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar to treat your dandruff. If you don't happen to have any apple cider vinegar, lemon juice can also be used instead.
Essential oils can be used to soothe the itching. Mixing together Lavender, German Chamomile and Eucalyptus Oils with water (4 parts water to 1 part oil), and applying locally to affected areas will help to relieve your itchy flaky scalp.
**Bonus Itchy Flaky Scalp Remedy**
Ok, I'm feeling kind today, so here's an extra little home remedy for you.:)
Fenugreek seeds are excellent for getting rid of dandruff:
An itchy flaky scalp can be caused by any number of things but often has to do with lifestyle, nutrition, infection or even an allergic reaction to the products you normally put on your hair. You see, most off-the-shelf products these days are so loaded with chemicals that in some cases they actually do more harm than good. Many anti-dandruff shampoos contain strong chemicals like Sodium Laureth Sulphate (the same ingredient used in engine degreasers), Propylene Glycol (found in antifreeze), and Silicone which is often found in leading brand conditioners and is used to add an artificial shine to your hair.
Apple Cider Vinegar is an excellent little home remedy that has been used for many, many years to get rid of an itchy flaky scalp and dandruff.
Try the following recipe:
Wash hair with a mild, pH-balanced shampoo. There's no need to use a dandruff shampoo because the apple cider vinegar will gradually disperse and get rid of the dandruff and itchy flaky scalp problem.
Mix together the apple cider vinegar with some warm water (2 parts vinegar to one part water). By adding a few drops of essential oils such as lavender or rosemary you will help to cleanse the scalp further and add a little fragrance to your hair. (Always remember to patch test oils in case of allergies, and always consult your doctor if you are pregnant).
Pour the mixture directly on to clean hair or alternatively put it in a bottle and spray onto your scalp. Massage it in and let the mixture dry on your hair. There's no need to rinse it out (unless the smell bothers you).
In case of more stubborn dandruff and itchy flaky scalp you can try a stronger mixture of vinegar to water, such as a one-to-one ratio. You could even try using the vinegar undiluted and applying it directly to the scalp. Leave it on for about 15 minutes and then wash the cider out with a mild, pH-balanced shampoo.
You'll get the best results if you use raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar to treat your dandruff. If you don't happen to have any apple cider vinegar, lemon juice can also be used instead.
Essential oils can be used to soothe the itching. Mixing together Lavender, German Chamomile and Eucalyptus Oils with water (4 parts water to 1 part oil), and applying locally to affected areas will help to relieve your itchy flaky scalp.
**Bonus Itchy Flaky Scalp Remedy**
Ok, I'm feeling kind today, so here's an extra little home remedy for you.:)
Fenugreek seeds are excellent for getting rid of dandruff:
- Take 2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds and soak overnight in water
- In the morning grind the soft seeds into a fine paste
- Apply this paste all over scalp and leave for half an hour
- Rinse off thoroughly with soap nut solution
- A teaspoon of lime juice on the last rinse will work wonders
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