Infectious Diseases of the Scalp and Hair

There are two main types of hair and scalp diseases: infectious and non-infectious. Infectious diseases are those that can pass contagiously from one person to another. The most common examples of them are: impetigo, lice, ringworm, scabies, warts and some more.

The severity of these infections and their danger to the surrounding people can differ greatly. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to write down the symptoms, define the cause and start the appropriate treatment as soon as possible. To do this, let’s take a look at some common infectious diseases of the scalp and hair.

Impetigo. This is a highly infectious disease that is most common among children. The cause is a bacterium (Staphylococcus aureus/pyogenes) that enters through a cut or wound in the skin of the head. Impetigo is characterized by large, moist blisters that gradually dry up and form a yellow crust.

Scabies. Scabies is an ectoparasitic skin infection caused by a small animal mite that can burrow into the scalp and lay eggs there. It is characterized by an itchy rash with reddish spots and burrows on the scalp.

warts. Warts are small raised bumps, usually found on the hands and feet, but can also appear on the skin of the head. The cause of this infection is a human papilloma virus (HPV), which is spread by direct contact with an infected person.

Tub. This is also known as Tinea capitis. It is a highly infectious scalp disease characterized by pink patches that gradually turn into round areas of damaged hair. The cause of this infection is the fungus that can be spread directly or indirectly through combs and brushes, clothing, and towels.

lice. This is a highly infectious disease caused by tiny wingless parasitic insects (lice) that spend their entire lives on the scalp, laying eggs, reproducing, and sucking human blood. This infection is very common in children.

folliculitis. Folliculitis is an infectious inflammation of the hair follicles caused by bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) that penetrate the scalp through scratching or direct contact with the infected person.

These are common infectious diseases and conditions of the scalp and hair. If you suspect that you may have one of these disorders, you should immediately seek medical advice from a physician.
or a trichologist.