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What Type of Fungus Causes Hair Loss?

A dermophyte is a type of fungus that causes infections in skin, hair and nails. There are several types of fungal infections that cause hair loss including tinea capitis, fungal folliculitis, and piedra.

  1. Tinea Capitis

    • Tinea capitis, also known as ringworm of the scalp, is a fungal infection that causes patchy hair loss on the scalp. It is most common in children, but can occur in adults.

    Tinea Capitis Treatment

    • Minor cases of tinea capitis can resolve themselves, or may be treated with creams such as Lamisil-AT. Advanced cases require antibiotics, Griseofulvin is the most common antibiotic prescribed, Terbinafine, Itraconazole and Fluconazole are used for more severe infections.

    Fungal Folliculitis

    • Fungal folliculitis is a fungal infection that causes an acne-like condition with rings of inflammation around the hair follicles. Severe cases can cause bald patches and permanent hair loss.

    Fungal Folliculitis Treatment

    • Minor cases of fungal folliculitis are treated with topical over-the-counter antibiotics like bacitracin. Severe cases require prescription treatments such as griseofulvin.

    Piedra

    • Piedra is a hair fungal infection that causes hard nodules to develop on hair fibers. The fungus causes hair follicles to weaken and break, causing patchy hair loss.

    Piedra Treatment

    • Treatment for piedra involves shaving the affected area and applying a topical azole-based antifungal treatment.

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