Fungal infections are a very common phenomenon. When an infection of this sort involves a person's scalp the condition is termed as tinea capitis. Tinea capitis is a fungal infection on an individual's scalp that may take the appearance of ringworm or scaly, thick swellings. This condition is also very commonly referred to as tinea tonsurans and ringworm of the scalp. The symptoms of this condition can vary from one person to the other. Some of the more common symptoms associated with this condition are non inflamed, scaly areas of skin and alopecia. These can at times graduate into severely inflamed, deep abscesses that increase the potential of causing permanent hair loss and scarring. The severity of the condition will depend on how the affected individual's body responds to the fungus. This condition being highly contagious in nature can be transmitted from one person to the other, through the sharing of brushes, combs, sheets and the like.
Cuts or breaks on the skin act as an entry point for the fungus. Once it gains access into the body, it starts to multiply and grow leading to a full blown infection. The infection starts of as a very minute papule around a single hair shaft. After a few days, this tiny red papule turns scaly and paler and the hair gradually begins to lose color, eventually turning brittle and lusterless. Eventually the hair breaks and the tiny lesions spread to form numerous papules that take the shape of a ring. This condition may also be accompanied by itching that can be mild or severe. hair loss on the infected site is very common and the skin may or may not be inflamed.
Unfortunately home remedies do not serve as an effective mode of treatment for this condition. This condition always calls for medical attention. There are a large number of anti-fungal medications available that are used for treating this condition. Thus consulting a physician would be beneficial, as he/she would be able to able to administer treatment based on the severity of the infection. Once the infection has been cured the hair should grow back in time. In the mean time, make sure that you keep your scalp clean and dry. You would need to wash your scalp every alternate day so that there is no accumulation of dust, dirt, sweat or oil. Avoid using any harsh hair products or chemicals as this will simply aggravate the condition.
answered by G M