Hair Infection; Types, Treatment and Prevention of Hair Infections

Hair Infections

A hair infection is defined as an inflammation of the hair follicles which is typically caused by bacteria or fungi, and it shows symptoms of itching, redness, and swelling filled with pus.

Hair infections are sometimes called folliculitis. It typically occurs on the scalp; but can also occur on the legs, face, hands and other regions of the body.

Types of Hair Infections 

Below are the types of hair infections and their respective treatment and prevention:

• 1. Dandruff: 

This is a natural shedding of scales of dead cells from the scalp. The dead cells are whitish dirt on the scalp of the head.

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Treatment of Dandruff

• Regular washing with medicated dandruff shampoos containing ingredients like zinc pyrithione and selenium sulfide help to control itching, while also killing the fungi causing it. 

• Remove the scales by brushing the hair thoroughly with comb.

• Wash the hair with ant-dandruff or antiseptic soap at least three times a week.

• Always oil the scalp regularly.

• In order to prevent dandruff, wash and oil the hair regularly.

• The use of aloe vera on hair can soothe scalp, especially when mixed with lemon juice.

• Moderate exposure to sunlight can help.

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Prevention of Dandruff

• Shampoo regularly with lukewarm water.

• Rinse the hair thoroughly after shampooing.

• Use shampoos with coal tar, pyrithione zinc, selenium sulfide, or salicylic acid.

• Reduce use of styling products, dyes, and hairsprays that can irritate the scalp.

• Gently brush wet hair to help distribute oils. 

• Give the hair a little sun exposure, but don't overdo it.

• Eat foods rich in vitamins, zinc, and healthy fats (like omega-3s in fish and walnuts).

• Applying aloe vera gel to the scalp can soothe irritation.

• Use a humidifier during harmattan season.

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• 2. Hair Lice

Hair lice are parasites which infest the hair. Their bite causes Itching. They thrive on dirty hair and can spread from one person to another.

Treatment of Hair Lice

• Shave off the hair completely.

• Use anti-lice ointment.

• Use medicated shampoo and lotions containing permethrin or pyrethrins.

• Wet combing with conditioner or hand lotion (to wet hair) can help.

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Prevention of Hair Lice

• Keep the hair clean daily.

• Avoid sharing of combs, brushes, caps, scarfs, pillows, helmets, headphones and other personal items that touch the head.

• Avoid leaning your head against public seats.

• Use anti-dandruff shampoo with zinc pyrithione.

• Avoid head-to-head contact during play, sports, and sleepovers. 

• Keep long hair braided or tied to reduce its surface area.

• Educate children on hair lice and and how they spread.

• Periodically check your child's scalp, especially if there's a known outbreak at school or daycare. 

• Keep the home and environment clean.

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• 3. Ring worm

This is caused by the growth of fungi between the inner and outer layers of the skin. The affected area is often seen to be bald.

Treatment of Ringworm 

• Shave the hair and use a medicated antifungal shampoo on it (twice a week).

• See the doctor (dermatologist).

• Use antifungal creams or oral antifungal medication; for example, griseofulvin, terbinafine, and fluconazole. 

• It is crucial to complete the full course of medication, even if the rash looks better, in order to prevent the infection from reoccurring. 

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Prevention of Ringworm

• Always keep the hair clean by having regular shower. Also, shower right after sports or sweaty activities. 

• Do not use other people's hair attires like caps, scarf, combs, towels, hairbrushes, pillow cases, etc.

• Shampoo regularly and keep your scalp clean and dry, especially after haircuts or sports.

• Wash hair towels in hot water and disinfect with combs and brushes.

• Don't scratch infected areas to prevent spreading. 

• Have pets checked for ringworm by a veterinarian and treat them if infected.

• Always wash your hands after touching animals. Also disinfect pet living areas and household surfaces.

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