White Piedra is a fungal infection of the hair shaft. It is caused by a fungus called Trichosporon beigelii. The fungus lives in moist environments, such as the scalp. It can cause itching, scaling, and hair loss. White piedra is most commonly seen in people who have very oily scalps or who wear tight braids or ponytails. The infection can be treated with antifungal medications, but it is important to see a doctor make sure the diagnosis is correct.
Causes
Although the causes of excessive hair product use, tight hairstyles, and poor hygiene are not fully understood, there are a number of factors that may contribute to their development. For starters, using too much hair product can weigh down the hair and make it oily or greasy. This can lead to the need to shampoo more often, which in turn can strip away natural oils and moisture, causing scalp dryness and dandruff. Tight hairstyles-such as braids, ponytails, or buns-can also put stress on the hair shafts and lead to breakage. And finally, poor hygiene habits can contribute to build-up on the scalp and hair follicles that can lead to infection, flakes, and odor.
Symptoms
White piedra is a fungal infection that affects the hair. The fungus causes the production of white or yellowish-white masses on the shafts of the hair. The masses are made up of small, round, spores that are released into the air when the hair is brushed or combed. The spores can cause an infection in other people if they come in contact with them. Symptoms of white piedra include the development of white or yellowish-white masses on the hair shafts, itching, and a burning sensation. White piedra can be treated with antifungal medications.
Diagnosis
White piedra is a fungal infection of the hair that is caused by Trichosporon beigelii. It is a rare infection, but it can be serious if left untreated. The infection is most commonly seen in people who have a weakened immune system. Symptoms of white piedra include hair loss, scaling on the scalp, and white patches on the hair shafts. Diagnosis of white piedra can be difficult because the symptoms are similar to other infections, such as tinea capitis. Tests that may be used to diagnose white piedra include culturing the fungus from infected hairs, examining a sample of affected hairs under a microscope, and testing for antibodies to the fungus. Treatment for white piedra includes antifungal medications and hair restoration surgery for severe cases.
Treatment
White piedra is a fungal infection of the hair shaft. The infection causes white, brittle flakes to form on the hair shaft. The flakes can be large or small and may be difficult to remove from the hair. White piedra is most commonly seen on the scalp, but it can also occur on other parts of the body where hair grows, such as the beard, mustache, and eyebrows.
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for white piedra. Treatment depends on the severity of the infection and where it is located. Mild cases may be treated with antifungal shampoos or lotions. More severe cases may require oral antifungal medications or surgery to remove the infected hair shafts.
There are many different types of antifungal medications, and each one is used to treat a specific type of fungus. The most common type of antifungal medication is an antifungal shampoo.
Prevention
White piedra is a fungal infection of the hair shaft. It is a common infection in the tropics and can occur in both men and women. The infection causes white or light-colored nodules to form on the hair shaft. The nodules may be small or large, and they can cause the hair to break off. White piedra is not a serious illness, but it can be embarrassing and difficult to treat. There are several ways to prevent white piedra from occurring:
1. Keep your hair clean and dry.
2. Don’t share hats, combs, or brushes with others.
3. Don’t use unclean or shared towels.
4. Dry your hair thoroughly after swimming or bathing.
5. Use a mild shampoo and conditioner that are designed for people with curly hair.
Risk Factors
White piedra is a rare fungal infection of the hair shaft. It is caused by a fungus called Trichosporon beigelii. The fungus invades the hair shaft and causes it to break off, resulting in hair loss. White piedra is most commonly seen in tropical climates but can occur anywhere. The risk factors for white piedra are not well known, but include exposure to moisture and humidity, as well as being in a tropical climate.
Complications
White piedra is a fungal infection of the hair shaft that results in the formation of white, brittle flakes on the scalp, beard, and eyebrows. The infection is caused by a species of Trichosporon, and typically affects people who are immunocompromised or have a weakened immune system. Although white piedra is not typically a serious condition, it can be difficult to treat and may recur even after successful treatment. In some cases, white piedra can cause scarring or permanent hair loss.
Conclusion
White Piedra is a relatively common fungal infection that can be treated with over-the-counter medications. Most cases of White Piedra can be treated with a single dose of medication, but some cases may require multiple doses. If the infection does not respond to over-the-counter medications, then it may be necessary to seek medical attention.
Published on August 9, 2022 and Last Updated on August 9, 2022 by: Mayank Pandey
