Hair fall Associated Infections of Scalp - Causes, Types, Symptoms, and Management

Introduction:

Scalp infections are the most common and are seen as reasons for people visiting dermatology clinics. There are various causes of scalp infections. Hair fall is one of the main symptoms associated with scalp diseases. Nowadays, people are more worried about hair fall. Several infectious agents and infections are the cause of hair fall. Hair fall can range from mild hair loss to total baldness. Hair fall can be due to multiple reasons. Some scalp infections are minor, some are severe, and minor ones are not to be ignored. Some conditions of the scalp can lead to hair loss, including hair falling out from the affected area and being unable to grow new hair, and some scalp conditions itch and cause hairs to break and cause damage to the hair follicles. Hair fall occurs when scratching is aggressive on the scalp. Hair loss is also known as Alopecia.

What Are the Causes of Hair Loss Associated With Scalp Infections?

Hair loss has many causes. Many bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections lead to hair loss. Various other causes include.

• Hereditary hair loss occurs both in males and females. It is also known as androgenic alopecia. The inherited genes can cause the hair follicles to shrink and stop growing hair.

• With age, hair growth slows. Hair follicles stop growing hair and cause it to thin and lose color.

• Cancer treatment leads to hair loss of the head, nose, eyelashes, scalp, and ears. If the person has undergone chemotherapy and radiotherapy may lose the hair within a few weeks of starting treatment.

• After months of childbirth and lactation, a female can see hairs in the comb.

• Hair loss may be due to the coloring of hair and using hair care products.

• Hormonal imbalances like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and taking birth control pills can lead to hair loss.

• Drug side effects.

• Thyroid disorders.

What Are the Scalp Infections That Can Cause Hair Loss?

Various scalp infections can lead to hair loss. These include.

Ringworm -

It is a fungal infection on the scalp and can lead to hair loss. It is known as tinea capitis. Ringworm begins as a small pimple that enlarges, leaving scaly patches on the scalp, and can lead to temporary baldness. The fungus Microsporium gypseum causes the infection. The fungus is attached to the hair follicles and makes the hair brittle, breaking off easily and leading to a bald scalp. The affected areas are itchy, red, and inflamed and may create a ring appearance. The infection is contagious and passes from one person to another.

Folliculitis -

It is an inflammation of the hair follicles. Staphylococcus aureus causes the infection. The infection occurs on the skin where the hair grows. It looks like pimples with rings of inflammation surrounding the hair follicle, leading to temporary bald patches.

Piedra -

Piedra is a fungal infection caused by piedraia hortae. The infection may affect the hairs of the scalp, body, and genital areas. When the infection is severe, the fungus weakens the hair fiber, resulting in patchy and diffuse hair loss.

Alopecia Areata -

An autoimmune disease that occurs when the body's immune system attacks hair follicles, leading to hair loss.

Scalp Psoriasis -

Scalp psoriasis is a scalp skin condition due to improper immune system functioning. It appears as thick red patches on the scalp, accompanied by silver scales, leading to baldness.

Seborrheic Dermatitis -

An inflammatory condition of the scalp can occur in newborns and adults. Some newborns develop the infection when the maternal androgens are passed from mother to baby through the placenta. The risk factors include head injury, stress, and stroke. The sebaceous glands are attached to the hair follicles and produce sebum. The excess rich sebum can lead to the proliferation of yeast, cause more irritation and inflammation, and lead to hair loss.

Lichen Planus -

Skin condition causes red-purple plaques on the skin, including the scalp. Symptoms, including thinning of hair and irritation, lead to scratching of the scalp, which can lead to hair loss.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Hair Fall-Associated Infections of the Scalp?

Normally, a person can lose 50 to 100 scalp hairs per day. It may be a contributing factor if large amounts of hair are found on brushes, clothing, sinks, and tubs. If the hairs are getting thin, the hairline has changed, or one or more bald patches have appeared on the scalp, the person can make an appointment with a doctor. The symptoms include.

• Due to medication side effects, hair loss is usually all over the head.

• In alopecia areata and tinea capitis, hair loss occurs in small patches. In tinea infections, it looks like scaling of the scalp or broken hairs looks like black dots.

• In traumatic alopecia, hair loss depends upon the method of hair injury, braiding, and chemical treatments. In males, hair loss starts from the temples, followed by thinning at the top of the head. The top area becomes bald, leaving behind the hair at the sides and back of the head.

How Can Hair Fall-Associated Infections of the Scalp Be Diagnosed?

Various investigation tests diagnose the infection that leads to hair loss. The investigation includes.

• The doctor can diagnose the cause of hair loss by asking about medical history and medications, checking nutritional status, hair care products, and physical examination.

• Laboratory Tests - In case of fungal infections, the doctor may take a hair sample and send it to the laboratory for diagnosis.

• Blood Test - The doctor can prescribe blood tests in case of any medical illness, such as thyroid disease, hormonal imbalance, iron deficiency, and skin diseases.

How Can Hair Fall-Associated Scalp Infections Be Managed?

Treatment depends upon the cause of hair loss. The treatment includes.

• Oral and topical steroids to reduce inflammation.

• Oral or topical antifungal ointment to reduce yeast infection.

• Immunotherapy medication boosts the immune system.

• Common therapies include Minoxidil to slow hair loss and regrow new hair, Finasteride to treat hereditary hair loss and hair transplantation.

• Natural and home treatments include eating a healthy diet rich in nutrients and vitamins.

How Can Hair Fall-Associated Scalp Infection Be Prevented?

The preventive measure includes.

• Eat a healthy and balanced diet rich in proteins, fat, vitamins, and minerals.

• Maintenance of hair hygiene.

• Keep hair safe from sunlight to minimize ultraviolet damage.

• Reduce stress.

• Keep hair free from dandruff.

• Reduce smoking.

• Use a cooling cap to reduce the risk of hair loss in case of chemotherapy.

Conclusion:

Various skin diseases are associated with hair loss. People are facing several problems due to hair loss. People are looking for a treatment to prevent hair loss and to regrow hair. The effectiveness of treatment varies from person to person and may depend upon the cause of hair loss. The healthcare team, including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, can educate people about the cause and prevention of hair loss. The healthcare team can work together to achieve better outcomes.