Fungi are tiny microorganisms which can infiltrate in any part of the body. For them skin is the preferred place of habitation. Scalp fungus is a common skin infection among children. However, it can also occur among adults. The medical term for scalp fungus is tenia capitis. It is also called as scalp ringworm. There are many types of fungi, but most cases of scalp fungus are caused by microsporum canis and trichophyton fungi.
Similar to many fungal diseases, scalp fungus too is contagious disease. It spreads through direct contact with an infected individual.
Causes And Symptoms Of Scalp Ringworm
Fungi are tiny organisms which can survive on dead material.
Poor hygiene, overcrowding, excessive perspiration, sharing combs, hairbrushes, hats, head scarf, etc are few causative objects for the spread of this fungus. Household pets such as dogs and cats can also suffer from ringworm. If you come in contact with an infected animal, you are at risk of suffering from ringworm disease.
Scalp Fungus Symptoms
In the beginning, there is a small patch of ringworm on scalp. Later on you may notice several patches on the scalp. For this reason, the symptoms may be limited to a small area on the scalp in the beginning, which after passage of time may be widespread.
You may notice round patches with red raised border. The middle of patch is smooth. There will be hair loss from these circular patches. In the bald patch, you may notice tiny black dots. They are broken hairs.
The person scratches his head all the time due to severe itching. Lymph nodes in the neck area are swollen. They may become tender and painful. Secondary bacterial infection with puss filled boils is one of its complications.
Home Remedies For Fungus On Scalp
Home remedies are effective in treating scalp ringworm.
- Papaya is time tested home remedy for scalp fungus. Cut few pieces of raw papaya or extract the juice of raw papaya and apply it on bald scalp fungus patches. Let is remain for 30 minutes, before you wash your head with plain warm water. Papaya seeds are also effective. Make powder of dried seeds. Prepare a paste by mixing this powder with water and apply it on the lesion. Wash the area after half hour. Follow it regularly for few weeks to find promising result.
- Mustard seeds: grind a cupful of mustard seeds. Store the powder in a bottle. Prepare a paste by mixing mustard powder and water. Apply it on the scalp fungus area. Wash after 15 minutes with warm water. The lesions will disappear when you apply it regularly.
- Take handful of basil leaves and extract its juice. Apply fresh juice on the scalp lesions.
- If you have a pet at home suffering from ringworm infection, it has also to be treated.
- Avoid sharing hair comb, brushes, and direct contact with person who has this disease. It will prevent its spread and re-infection.