The scalp can get affected by fungal infections, causing itching and discomfort. Tinea capitis or ringworm infection is one of such common fungal infections affecting the scalp. Such infections cause redness of scalp, consistent itching or patches of hair loss. This infection can also spread among your family members, relatives or friends. Following are some tips to prevent these infections.
Tip 1: Maintain Proper Hygiene
The best tip to prevent fungal infection of your scalp is to maintain its hygiene. You should regularly clean your scalp with a mild shampoo and comb with a soft-bristled but fine teethed comb. Your comb should also be cleaned regularly to keep the microorganisms at bay. Shampoo your hair after having a haircut. Wash your hands after combing your or your children's hair.
You can use selenium sulfide shampoo if you suspect of fungal scalp infection. When you use such a shampoo, apply it liberally to your scalp and hair and leave it for 10 minutes. Then, rinse well with plain water, as hot water can cause more damage to your hair. This shampooing can be repeated two to three times in a week or whenever necessary to keep the infection under control.
Tip 2: Do Not Scratch the Scalp
You should not scratch and injure your scalp, as injuries and wounds are more prone to such fungal infections. Even while combing, use soft bristled hair brushes in order to avoid damaging your scalp. You can massage your scalp with hot olive or coconut oil for few seconds to reduce itching instead of scratching it with your nails.
Tip 3: Do Not Share Personal Items
You should never share personal care items with friends or with family members, as you can easily get infected or spread an infection to them. So, it is advisable not to borrow or share things like hair brush, towels or head gears.
Tip 4: Disinfect Your Pets
You can get infected through your pets easily. Hence, it is important to disinfect their hair regularly. If required, take them to a veterinarian to get medication, and never touch your infected pets with bare hands.
Tip 5: Perform a Scalp Check
It is wise to prevent fungal infection than to suffer from it. So, you can do a scalp test twice a year to ensure that your scalp is free of any infection. You can treat your scalp with anti-fungal shampoo or soaps once in a while to prevent infections.
Tip 6: Live a Healthy Lifestyle
Apart from these, a poor diet and even dehydration can make your scalp prone to infections. Hence, it is necessary to pay attention to these factors while trying to prevent fungal infections of your scalp. Do not dry your hair with dryers and do not use heat treatments on your hair frequently.
These tips should not be considered as medical advice. You can try these tips to prevent the infection. If it worsens, then you have to immediately approach a dermatologist or hair specialist to have proper medical care.
