Hair Loss Caused by Infection

Hair Loss Caused by Infection

It is well known that hair loss can be cause by heredity and age. One lesser known fact is that hair loss can be the result of conditions related to infections on the scalp. There are various infections that can lead to hair loss.

Folliculitis

Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicles. It resembles acne pustules surrounded by rings of inflammation. As the condition progresses, the hair begins to fall out. In the infection’s most severe stage, excessive inflammation can destroy the hair’s follicles permanently. The destruction of the hair’s follicles results in small bald patches in the infected area.

Folliculitis is typically caused by a bacterial infection, although there are non-infectious forms of folliculitis as well. The most common type of folliculitis not cause by infection is clogging hair follicles that lead to the condition. This condition generally occurs when oils or other heavy products are applied to the scalp or skin.

Ringworm

Ringworm is a fungal that can cause hair loss when it develops on the scalp. It resembles a small pimple-like blemish that gradually increases in size over time. Areas of the scalp that are infected typically become red, itchy and inflamed. Blisters may also form on the infected areas and begin to ooze puss in some cases.
Fungus from the infection migrates to the hair fibers in the infected area, causing them to become brittle. As the brittle hair follicles begin to break off, bald patches are left behind. If the infection causes a severe level of inflammation, hair loss can be permanent.

Piedra

Piedra is also cause by a type of fungus. It comes in two forms, white piedra, and black piedra. Furthermore, each form of the condition is classified by the color of the nodules that form on the hair shaft. Black piedra predominantly originates in tropical countries, while white piedra predominantly originates in the Southern United States and Europe. Severe forms of the infection can cause the hair fibers to weaken, resulting in hair loss.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis, better known as dandruff, is cause by explosive growth of yeast on the skin. While the condition does not cause hair loss directly, the inflammation cause by the infection can contribute to hair loss. Also, it creates scaly, rough patches on the skin of the scalp and face. These patches of skin often become dry and itchy. Lastly, scratching these areas excessively over time can lead to injury of the hair’s follicles in the affected areas.