Various ways to deal with scalp infections according to the cause

You certainly want to have a healthy scalp, right? A healthy scalp keeps your hair strong and all supports your activities. Conversely, if the scalp has problems due to a fungal, parasitic, or bacterial infection, the scalp will feel itchy, reddish, and even form sores. If you have a scalp infection, how do you get rid of it?

Various ways to deal with scalp infections

Fungus and bacteria can grow on the scalp and cause infection through the hair follicles. If left untreated, not only are the symptoms bothersome, your hair can fall out and lead to baldness. Infection can also develop because you keep scratching it non-stop. If you do not want this to happen, you must immediately treat the scalp infection according to the cause, such as:

1. Overcoming ringworm on the scalp

Ringworm is a fungal infection that causes red, ring-shaped patches on the skin. If it occurs on the scalp or also known as tinea capitis, the area will be scaly and tend to be bald. Without treatment, ringworm can spread to other areas of the skin.

To treat this scalp infection, the doctor will provide antifungal drugs and itch relievers, be it lotions, creams, or in the form of powder. While tablet antifungal drugs are usually recommended to be taken for 1 to 3 months.

So that you don't get this disease again, you need to keep your body and home clean. Make it a habit to wash your hands after playing outdoors, swimming, or handling pets.

Although ringworm in animals does not cause ringworm on human skin, skin infections can still occur. So, always make sure that your pet is always clean. Also, don't borrow towels or other personal items from people who have ringworm.

2. Overcoming folliculitis on the scalp

Your skin is filled with follicles, where hair grows. If your body hygiene is poor, bacteria can easily enter through the follicles and cause scalp infections. This condition is also known as folliculitis. If it occurs on the scalp, a rash that feels itchy and sore will appear.

To relieve skin from itching, you can put a warm compress on the head. Then, improve hair hygiene, such as regularly washing your hair, not letting your hair get damp, and using a clean hair tie, towel, hat, or veil.

In addition, avoid wearing a tight head covering and allowing your scalp to sweat. In some cases, antibiotics are needed to kill the bacteria that cause infection.

3. Overcoming impetigo on the scalp

Apart from folliculitis, bacterial infections of the scalp can also cause impetigo. Usually this skin problem develops in areas of skin that have been damaged. Impetigo causes a red rash with yellow-brown crusted skin. In addition, it can cause fluid-filled blisters that are itchy and painful.

The way to deal with this is to take antibiotics and apply antibiotic ointment on the infected area. Although this disease is contagious, antibiotics will stop transmission within 48 hours. Usually the symptoms of impetigo will disappear about one week after being treated with antibiotics.

4. Overcoming seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp

The most common scalp infection is seborrheic dermatitis. This scalp infection causes a rash, dry, scaly skin, sometimes peeling like dandruff. If you have this condition, you should regularly clean flaking skin flakes.

Use a dandruff shampoo that is easily found in stores. Also, use a hair conditioner to prevent the scalp from getting dry.

5. Overcoming fungal infections of the scalp

Although rare, fungal infections can also occur on the scalp. This occurs due to disruption of the balance of fungi in the skin due to the use of inappropriate hair care products, stress, and other health problems, such as diabetes.

Just like any other hair care, you must pay attention to hair hygiene. Do not leave hair in a state of humidity or use a head covering for a long time. Take an antifungal medication or apply an antifungal ointment on the scalp.