Do Infected Hair Follicles Could Cause Hair Loss? Hair loss is something that affects everyone at some point in their life. Whether it’s because of stress or genetics, hair loss can cause anxiety and depression.
Hair loss occurs when the follicle stops producing new hair. The hair follicle has two parts: the bulb and the shaft. When the bulb gets damaged, the hair follicle becomes inactive and no longer produces new hair.
There are several causes of hair loss, including hormonal changes, medications, infections, and genetic conditions. If you notice any unusual symptoms such as thinning hair, bald spots, or patches of hair falling out, see your doctor immediately.
What causes hair loss?
Hair loss due to COVID-19 is caused by a temporary disruption of the normal hair cycle. Anagen hairs become shorter and thinner, and the transition from anagen to telogen occurs earlier. Telogen hairs are shed prematurely, and the hair cycle returns to its normal state after several weeks.
When we experience stress, our body shifts a larger than normal percentage of hair growth into a resting telogen stage. Instead of the usual 10% of hairs that are in a resting and shedding phase, 50% of hairs are resting and not growing anymore. This causes temporary hair loss.
The coronavirus also disrupts the immune system, which leads to inflammation. Inflammation can lead type of hair loss.
Infections That Cause Hair Loss Ringworm Folliculitis and More
Hair loss is often caused by an underlying medical condition. However, there are many other factors that can cause loss of hair. These include infections, medications, stress, and certain diseases. Common causes of hair loss include:
• Alopecia Areata
• Androgenetic alopecia
• Chemotherapy
• Dandruff
• Hair loss due to stress
• Hypothyroidism
• Hyperthyroidism
• Menopause
• Medications
• Psoriasis
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Trichotillomania
• Vitiligo
• Warts
• Xeroderma pigmentosum
Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal infection caused by a type of fungus called dermatophytes. These fungi grow under the skin and may infect the fingernails, toenails, scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, lips, ears, armpits, groin, buttocks, feet, and other areas of the body. It causes itching, burning, redness, scaling, and thickening of the skin. It is also contagious and can spread through contact with infected areas. Most cases are mild and resolve within 2 weeks. However, if left untreated, it can lead to permanent scarring, disfigurement, and even death.
Ringworms are caused by fungi. These fungi grow in your hair follicles. When you get a ringworm infection, the fungus grows inside your hair follicle. This causes your hair to fall out, leaving a bald spot. Ringworms are very contagious. You can spread them through direct contact with infected areas. If you touch an infected area, you can transfer the fungus to other parts of your body. Your hands are especially susceptible to spreading ringworms because they come in close contact with your face all day long.
Tinea capitis is caused by a fungal infection called dermatophyte. Dermatophytes are microscopic organisms that grow on skin and hair. Worldwide, the fungus Microsorium audouinii is the most common cause of ringworm. But increasingly Trichophyton tonurans can also cause this type of infection, especially in the United States and Latin America. Other fungi that may be responsible for tinea capitis include T. schoenleinii and T. megninii in southern Europe and Africa, and T. violaceum in the middle east.
Ringworm is caused by a type of fungus called dermatophytes. These fungi are spread through direct contact with an infected animal, usually a cat. Once inside your body, the fungus grows in your hair follicles. Your immune system fights against the infection, but if you have weak immune systems or are taking immunosuppressive drugs, then the infection can become severe. If you are not treated, the infection will eventually go away on its own. However, there are ways to treat ringworm. A doctor can prescribe antifungal medications to kill the fungus. There are also topical treatments available.
Ringworm is caused by different species of molds, including Trichophyton rubrum, T. tonsurans, Epidermophyton floccosum, Microsporum audouinii, M. canis, and M. gypseum. Ringworms usually occur in moist areas like showers, bathtubs, swimming pools, locker rooms, and saunas. Ringworm may also occur in dry places like shoes, towels, and carpets. Ringworm is contagious and spreads through direct contact with infected skin.
Tinea capitis is caused by a fungus called Trichophyton tonsurans. Griseofulvin is the first line of defense against this infection. However, some strains of T. tonsurans have become resistant to griseofulin. Terbinafine, itraonazole, and fluocanozole are other drugs that may be effective at treating tinea capitis.
Folliculitis
Follicular cysts are benign tumors that grow inside hair follicles. They usually occur on the face, neck, chest, back, buttocks, legs, arms, or scalp. Follicular cysts are caused when hair follicles become blocked, leading to fluid buildup around them. These blockages can be due to excessive sebum production, bacterial infection, or trauma. If left untreated, follicular cysts can cause permanent damage to the hair follicles.
Folliculitis is usually caused by bacteria, although there are other causes. Folliculitis can be caused by oil or grease that gets stuck in the pores of your skin. If you get folliculitis, you may notice small bumps around your face or scalp. These bumps will often itch or burn. You may also see pus coming out of them. Your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics if you have folliculitis.
Topical antibiotics are not recommended for treating folliculitis because they are less effective than systemic medications. Oral antibiotics should be considered if the infection does not respond to topical treatment after 48–72 hours. Antibiotics should be prescribed by a physician.
Piedra
Piedras (trichomycoses nodulares) happen when the hair fibers are affected by fungi. The visible sign of a Piedra infection is the appearance of hard nodules on the hair fibers. Indeed, “piedra” means “stone” in Spanish. The nodules are made of a concretion of hyphal cells and fruiting bodies of fungi called an ascostroma. From the ascostroma, the fungal spores are expelled.
Piedras are small rocks that grow on the hair shafts of certain mammals. There are two basic types of rock: black piedra, which is caused by the fungus Piedraea hortae, and white piedra which is caused by Trichosporon Beigelii. Both types of piedra are found worldwide, although black piedra is more common in tropical regions.
Infection with Piedra causes small bumps to form on the skin. These bumps become hard and painful if not treated. The fungus also affects the hair follicles, causing them to weaken. As a result, the hair falls out in patches.
Treatment usually involves shaving off the area. Antifungals such as ketoconazole or turbine may be prescribed.
Demodex folliculorum
Demodex is a tiny mite-like creature that lives in your nose. It is harmless, but it can be irritating if you get too many of them. Some people think it types of hair loss. However, it doesn’t actually cause hair loss. Demodicosis is an infection caused by Demodex mites. These mites feed on oil and dead skin cells, so they like to live in areas with lots of both. When you have demodicosis, you may notice small bumps under your nose. You may also see white spots on your face. Your doctor can remove the mites using a special tool called a dermabrasion.
Demodex mites are tiny parasites that live inside your hair follicles. They can be found all over your body, including your face, scalp, ears, mouth, nose, throat, chest, back, buttocks, genitals, and feet. You may not even notice them because they’re microscopic. However, when they multiply, they can cause problems like itching, redness, inflammation, and blemishes.
However, while Demodex may not cause hair loss, it can still irritate your scalp. If you notice any redness, itching, or irritation around your hairline, then you should see your doctor.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrhoeic dermatitis is a skin condition that affects both adults and children. It is caused by a fungal infection called Malassezia furfur, which grows on the surface of the skin. The fungus produces oils that cause inflammation and irritation. Seborrheic dermatitis usually occur in patches on the face, scalp, chest, back, arms, legs, and buttocks. It often starts after puberty and may last for years. Seborrheic is more common in men than women, and are more likely to occur in people with fair skin, especially those of Celtic ancestry. Stress, hormonal changes, and medications can trigger outbreaks.
Seborrhea is caused by an imbalance of hormones, especially testosterone. Androgens cause sebaceous glands to become active. These glands secrete oil, which attracts bacteria and fungi. As the bacteria and fungi multiply, the skin becomes red, scaly, and irritated. Seborrhea can affect any area of the body, including the scalp, face, chest, back, arms, legs, and genitals.
Seborrheic dermatitis is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria and fungi on the surface of the skin. These organisms produce toxins that irritate the skin. As a result, the skin becomes red and scaly. Seborrheic dermatitits does not spread from person to person. If your skin is infected with yeast, it will come from your own body. You can’t catch seborrheics dermatitis.
How prevents scalp infections?
You need to wash your hair regularly to prevent scalp infections. Wash your head at least once every day with a mild shampoo. Rinse well. Avoid harsh shampoos that contain alcohol, as this can dry out your hair and make it more susceptible to bacterial growth.
If you want to use a deep conditioning treatment, choose one without sulfates. Sulfates are drying agents that strip away natural moisture from the hair. This makes your hair less resistant to infection.
Use a clarifying shampoo to clean your hair thoroughly before washing it again. Clarifying shampoos helps to eliminate the buildup of dirt and product residue that could lead to scalp infections.
Avoid using hair products containing dyes, bleach, perms, straighteners, or other chemicals that can damage your hair.
Avoid getting too much sun. Sun exposure increases the risk of developing skin cancer. Use sunscreen daily to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun.
Do not pick at your skin. Picking causes tiny cuts that allow bacteria into the wound. When these wounds heal, they leave scars.
Do not share combs, brushes, towels, razors, or other items that touch your scalp. Sharing such objects can transfer bacteria and viruses to your scalp.
Wash your hands frequently. Handwashing helps keep your home free of germs.
Take care when handling pets. Pet owners should be careful to avoid scratching their pet’s ears or licking them. Scratches can lead to ear infections.
How to take care of your scalp health
The hair on our head is a very important part of our body. It keeps us warm, protects us from the sun, and gives us a sense of identity. But it also has some responsibilities: it needs to grow properly, keep its shape and color, and protect itself against environmental factors such as dust, dirt, pollution, etc. In addition, it must be kept clean and free of dandruff.
The scalp is composed of three layers: epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. The outer layer of the epidermis (the stratum corneum) consists of dead cells. It provides protection against external agents. The middle layer of the dermis (the papillary layer) is made up of blood vessels and nerve endings. The innermost layer of the dermis is the hypodermis, which is rich in fatty tissues.
The scalp is covered with hairs, which are extensions of the follicle. Each hair is attached to the root of the follicle by a small band called the bulb. The follicle extends outwards through the skin, forming a hollow tube called the shaft. The tip of the shaft is known as the terminal end or the cuticle. At the base of each follicle is a tiny sac filled with oily secretions called the sebaceous gland.
The hair shaft is made up of two parts: the cortex and medulla. The cortex is the hard part of the hair fiber, while the medulla is soft and flexible. The cortex contains protein fibers, which give strength to the hair. The medulla is where pigment is located. The medulla is surrounded by a protective sheath called the cuticle. When you comb your hair, this sheath gets damaged and falls off.
Hair growth occurs when the follicle produces new hair. This process begins when the follicle enters the resting phase. During this period, the hair grows about half an inch per month. After a few months, the follicle enters the growing phase. Here, the follicle continues to grow until it reaches the length of the desired hair. Then, the follicle enters a rest phase for several weeks before beginning another cycle.
Conclusion
You should try to wash your hair regularly. This will help remove any impurities and prevent scalp infections. You should also make sure to trim your nails regularly. This will help them grow faster and prevent ingrown nails. And lastly, you should always apply moisturizer to your scalp. This will help keep your scalp hydrated and healthy.