Hair Loss: A Symptom Of Candida
During a Candida infestation, hair loss is often a worrisome and emotional problem for both men and women. Over the years, Ive received many messages and letters from Candida sufferers who were desperate for answers to their questions about losing their hair during their Candida infestation. Many of them have used statements such as, This cannot possibly be a coincidence losing my hair started right after I realized that I had a terrible health issue in my body, I just didnt know what it was. Why is the Candida making my hair fall out?
I remember one young lady in particular telling me, Losing my hair is the worst part of this entire yeast problem! Please help me before it all falls out!
If youve contracted a Candida infestation, and afterwards you began to suffer from premature hair loss or other scalp issues which can include dandruff, itching, or extremely oily scalp, these are likely being indirectly caused by the fact that you also have a Candida infestation in your body.
The Environment PerfectFirst, lets look at why you have a Candida albicans overgrowth in your body. Chances are that your problems started after one or more rounds of antibiotics or perhaps many rounds over the past 10 to 20 years. Perhaps you were not even aware that a problem was developing, because an actual overgrowth of Candida will often take many years to reach the infestation stage.
Is Seborrheic Dermatitis Treatable
The condition itself is not treatable. Because seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic disease, it is likely to persist as a lifelong condition. Flare-ups may occur seasonally, or when a person experiences periods of stress.
Although, the symptoms of this condition are treatable and hair can grow back. Over-the-counter medications and topical medications are available to cure the fungal infection on the skin to effectively treat the symptoms caused by the infection.
Hair will grow back once the source of this symptom is treated, by way of antifungal medications and anti-inflammatory treatments.
The right treatment for each patient will depend on the patients lifestyle preferences, specific symptoms, and the severity of their condition. Its important to consider the potential risks and side effects of each treatment method before deciding on a treatment option.
If you are experiencing the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, our dermatologists will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that treats the source of your condition to effectively alleviate the associated symptoms.
Throughout all of our UCF Health Services, its our goal to help you achieve your greatest quality of life. You shouldnt have to live with irritated, flaking skin. Our Orlando dermatologists are here to help you weigh your options and decide on a treatment that reverses hair loss and cures the source of the condition.
The Difference Between Malassezia And Candida Yeasts
A couple differences between Malassezia and Candida yeasts include:
- Candida yeast is the most common cause of fungal infections of the skin and scalp and is the number one cause of genital yeast infections.
- Malassezia yeast is the cause of various skin diseases such as Malassezia folliculitis and tinea versicolor .
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What Are Fungal Infections
The term trichomycoses is used to describe fungal infections in the scalp.
Fungal infections can be caused by yeast and dermatophyte fungi .
They infiltrate the hair shaft, making their way to the cortex which is the innermost part of the hair shaft. As they begin to multiply, they can make their way to the follicle.
In some cases, they can even penetrate the surrounding tissue of the hair follicle causing major issues.
The three most common fungal infections are Malassezia spp. infections, tinea capitis, and piedra.
It Can Help Make Hair Feel Smooth Soft And Shiny
Since we know that styling tools and products, as well as exposure to the elements, helps roughen up our hair’s cuticle, we’re often left with strands that feel dull or prone to tangles.
“Apple cider vinegar helps to close the hair cuticle,” said Dr. Jaliman. “In turn, your hair will be more manageable and much shinier. ACV helps to remove buildup on the hair,” which will also boost shine, she told INSIDER.
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Does anybody actually like dealing with scalp infections? Well, actually we do. Yes, we know scalp fungus causes hair lossâand can be uncomfortable and itchy. But weâve done our scalp infection research and have solutions for you. Not only will we tell you the difference between scalp fungus and plain old dry skin, but weâll also share how and why scalp infections happen. Plus, weâve got scalp fungus treatment options. Hereâs what we know.
The Benefits Of Early Detection
Candida overgrowth can have devastating consequences on your health if not properly dealt with. If you have some yeast infection signs, seek help from healthcare professionals with experience treating Candida. Getting a grip on this type of infection early on will help prevent other organ systems from being overtaken as well. Your health and energy levels will improve as you restore the delicate balance of microbes in your body.
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From Person To Person
- Most cases of scalp ringworm are passed from person to person by touching, sharing towels, etc.
- Some people are just carriers of the fungi. Meaning the fungi on their skin and hair does not cause symptoms or infection. However, they could pass the fungi on to others who then develop symptoms.
- Fungi and their spores can also survive on combs, brushes, unwashed towels, furniture, and sheets for long periods.
- An outbreak of scalp ringworm can occur in schools or families.
Fungal Infections That Cause Hair Loss: Dermatophytes
Hair infection from fungal agents, also called trichomycoses, is one of the common concerns in humans. Fungi or fungus are single celled or multinucleate organisms that decay and absorb the organic material in which they grow . There are three common agents causing hair infections:
- Dermatophytes
- Malassezia infections
- Piedra
Through a series of blog posts, we will take a deeper look at each type of fungal scalp infection, including the most common diseases impacting the hair follicle.
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The Verdict: Is There A Connection Between Fungal Infections And Hair Loss
While not all fungal infections are severe enough to cause hair loss, there is definitely evidence that connects fungal infections and hair loss.
This is due to the inflammation fungal infections can cause, leading to fibrosis and hair follicle damage.
And unfortunately, hair lost as a result of severe fungal infections is often irreversible.
Have you experienced a frustrating scalp fungal infection? Leave a comment below.
What Are The Causes Of Candida
Most of the time, the amount of yeast your body naturally produces is perfectly healthy. But, when your bodys pH balance gets thrown off, too much of that yeast can grow and combine with bacteria. Thats when candida occurs. Most factors that cause an overgrowth of yeast on your scalp have to do with your lifestyle.
Some of the most common causes include:
- A weakened immune system
- A diet high in sugar
- Consistent use of certain medications
- Excessive stress
All these causes can create perfect environments for the yeast to grow and thrive. For example, stress increases inflammation within our bodies. That weakens the immune system and makes it easier for an overgrowth of yeast to occur. It can grow in your GI tract, vaginally, or anywhere where your skin is moist. Eventually, though, this growth can go to the scalp and cause irritation, inflammation, and itching.
These arent the only reasons why too much yeast grows on the scalp. But, they are some of the leading culprits. If youre experiencing scalp issues and you find yourself relating to any of the above causes, the two could be related. But, it isnt enough to just assume you have an overgrowth of yeast infecting your scalp. Making sure that youre treating the right condition is essential in getting rid of it for good.
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Candida & Hair Loss Research
A 2014 study, published in the Journal of Correctional Health Care , related the story of a prison that had around 35 male inmates suffering from Candida infections on their skin. Five of these affected men, were brought into a clinic for evaluation. The study relates the story of these five inmates Candida problems. All of them had some form of folliculitis 3 of the five likely had Malassezia folliculitis, while the other two were positive for Candida albicans induced folliculitis. In the cases of these men who had yeast infections of the skin and hair follicles, nothing was reported about hair loss. So this research suggests that hair loss is a very uncommon symptom of Candida overgrowth.
Candida folliculitis is predominantly limited to hair follicles of beard and moustache area in men, and less frequently to the scalp. In addition to abovementioned predisposing factors for Candida infections, Candida colonisation of the mouth, or the mouth of the partner, and an infected razor have been suggested for the development of CF. There are reports of CF occurring in patients with hypothyroidism, agranulocytosis, malignant tumours and immunode?ciency syndromes.
Fungal Infections And Hair Loss: Is There A Connection
Mild fungal infections on the scalp can easily go unnoticed.
However, when they progress, they can have serious detrimental side effects.
One of these can be hair loss.
But, are all fungal infections and hair loss connected?
How can you treat fungal infections? Are there natural alternatives?
Is fungal infection hair loss reversible?
Ill answer these questions and more in this article.
Just keep reading.
Quickly, make sure you take the free hair quiz later in this article.
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How Do I Treat Hair Loss Due To A Fungal Infection Such As Tinea Capitis Or Piedra
Luckily, these fungal infections are extremely easy to treat especially if they are caught early.
With piedra, the easiest treatment is simply to shave the affected area and then use a combination of anti-fungal creams. With tinea capitis, however, the majority of cases can be treated without further loss of hair.
The following treatments are considered the best for ridding the scalp of tinea capitis:
- For children, a gentle oral anti-fungal called Griseofulvin is used over a course of 6-8 weeks. In adults, this is rarely used as it can damage sperm in men for up to six months after treatment, as well as having an effect on the reproductive system in women for up to a month after treatment.
- For adults, a highly successful medication named Terbinafine can reverse the infection in as little as 3-4 weeks.
- Other less commonly prescribed medications that are known to be effective are itraconazole or fluconazole.
- Anti-fungal shampoos are also used in conjunction with the above treatments. These only need to be use twice a week, but should be mixed in the ratio of 2% ketoconazoleor and 1% selenium sulphide
There is little one can do to expediate the process of removing ringworm from your scalp, and so it is always important to do as much as you can to avoid the condition arising again.
Symptoms Of Yeast Overgrowth On The Scalp
The biggest problem with yeast overgrowth on the scalp is that it can cause a fungal infection. This kind of buildup can cause your skin to become itchy. It may even fall off in large flakes and chunks.
Fungal infections wont go away on their own, so they need to be treated properly. But, if you have an overgrowth of yeast on your scalp, you might have it elsewhere in your body too.
Check out these underlying symptoms that can suggest you have an overgrowth problem:
- Fungal infections of the skin and nails
- Cravings for process carbohydrates
- Poor concentration
- Itchiness of the skin
If the infection keeps coming back, even after youve treated it, its likely that you have systemic candida. Then, it can affect your scalp and the rest of your body. You might feel more symptoms like chronic fatigue.
Again, an overproduction of candida can affect your body inside and out. Recognizing these symptoms and how they can work against you is the first step in getting rid of the problem. Lets take a look at a few different ways you can treat candida. You can start by treating it from the inside out. If its affecting your scalp, you can also use certain topical treatments to keep it under control and get rid of a fungal infection of the scalp.
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So Why Are Candida And Hair Loss Related
The nasty truth about candida and hair loss is that candida over populates your Gut and depletes its good bacteria helping you to fight off the bad. Candida overpowers the Gut when its army becomes bigger than the good army. That good bacteria army gets depleted through common uses of drugs.
The human body is very sensitive to chemical drugs. It isnt uncommon for medications to have negative repercussions. Prescribing drugs that cure one disease but cause another is how the medical industry stays wealthy.
A study in Japan observed effects of hair loss after a long course of antibiotics on mice. The mices gut were depleted of Biotin therefore causing the loss of hair. After a shot of Biotin, the mices alopecia reversed.
Candida Overgrowth And Hair Loss
Besides the symptoms listed above, candida overgrowth can contribute to hair loss. A scalp fungus like this can be mistaken for other things, including dandruff or psoriasis. But, it can be much more severe because it can cause hair loss in a couple of different ways.
First, too much yeast on the scalp will cause it to become itchy. Unfortunately, the more you scratch at your scalp, the higher your risk of hair loss. You could be breaking and pulling hairs out each time you scratch at your skin. If you damage your skin, the hair follicles could become clogged with dirt and debris, making it even harder for new hair to grow.
A fungus can also cause hair loss in more significant patches. It can cause the fibers of your hair to break off, falling out easier than they usually would.
Finally, Candida can affect the bodys hormones if it is systemic. When your hormones are out of whack, it can cause hypothyroidism. This can lead to lower blood circulation throughout the body. This includes circulation to your scalp and hair follicles. Sometimes, thyroid medication is needed in extreme cases of candida to balance things out. If your hair follicles arent getting enough blood flow, they cant work correctly. Not only can it cause you to lose hair, but it can prevent new, healthy hair from growing.
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