Hair Loss As Caused By Ringworm Outbreak

While most adults worry about hair loss as an irreversible effect of their genes (the male hormone DHT, a derivative of testosterone, is known to be the main cause of androgenetic alopecia, a balding condition which affects most adults, especially men), there is a rather less well-known cause of hair loss, and this is due to scalp infection. The scalp is actually the breeding ground for the hair shaft, as it is dotted with tiny follicles which regulate the growth and shedding of strands in a cyclic pattern. The scalp is basically an extension of bodily skin, and as such, it is as easily susceptible to infection as any other part of the body.

Tinea Capitis is a fungus which can breed on the scalp, and since the scalp’s health is compromised as a consequence, the follicles’ natural functions are also inhibited, leading to hair loss even in moderate infestations. Tinea Capitis is usually referred to as ringworm because of the close resemblance to such by the marks which eventually form on the outbreak area, but in spite of this notion, the condition is not a parasitic outbreak of worms. Tinea Capitis infestation is very common with children, although other types of the same fungus can affect adults as well.

The fungus grows while following varying patterns, and the symptoms of outbreak also vary between the species. T. tonsurans follows a growth pattern called an endothrix, which begins with a minor outbreak of fungus spores in the hair’s shaft. If the infestation spreads, the successive hair breakage usually results in random bald patches on the scalp. As severe as the condition may seem, the reaction may not be as strong, and the bald patches may be minimal.

M. canis follows a growth pattern referred to as an ectothrix. With this condition the fungus grows on the surface of the hair strand, and extensive outbreaks are visible in the form of hair loss accompanied by scaling bald patches. The fungus itself can infest a localized area or it could spread to patchy areas on the scalp. Although this specie usually breeds on canine and feline animals, humans are susceptible to such an infestation as well.

M. audouinii is also known as favus or tinea favosa; this follows a drastic infection and growth pattern, and it is distinctive of the three species in the sense that it is more destructive than any of the two previous types. An M. audounii fungus thrives in the interior of the hair shaft; part of its normal functions is to create air bubbles, which consequently results in inflammation of the shaft and follicles. The more severe cases involve thick crusty scaling and scarring on infected areas of the scalp.

As hostile as these infections may appear, they are fortunately very treatable. Infestations may be dealt with antifungal shampoos, or herbal extracts which are combined with antiseptic and antifungal agents. These exterminate the fungus altogether, allowing the scalp to recover normally, and the follicles to resume their normal function. Talk to your doctor about treatment options if you are currently experiencing any of these conditions.