White piedra is an uncommon yeast infection of the hair. Several species of a fungus that lives in soil or dirty water can cause white piedra. Show Piedra is the Spanish word for stone. White piedra appears as white or light brown stones that loosely attach to the tip of a hair shaft and may group to form clusters. The stones, which people sometimes call concretions or nodules, feel gritty and are easy to remove. White piedra occurs more often in warm and tropical regions of the world, such as South America, Africa, and the southeastern United States. The infection can affect people of all ages, genders, and ethnicities. Although white piedra is a relatively harmless condition, without treatment, it can lead to brittle and damaged hair. People can treat it by shaving the affected area and applying an antifungal medication. In this article, we provide images of white piedra. We also examine the symptoms, causes, and treatment of the condition. The main symptom of white piedra is the formation of clusters of tiny nodules along the hair shafts. These rock-like structures appear white, gray, or tan. The stones are soft, feel gritty to the touch, and are easy to remove. However, removal may cause the affected hair shafts to split or break. White piedra may develop on any area of hair on the body, such as:
It is easy to confuse white piedra with other skin and hair conditions. However, there are some key differences between them.
A species of fungus called Trichosporon causes white piedra. Trichosporon fungi occur widely in nature, particularly in soil, lake water, and plants. The fungus can also be present in:
White piedra can spread to people when they come into contact with contaminated:
The spread of white piedra directly from person to person is uncommon. However, it is possible to transmit the infection in the genital region through sexual activity. After a person is exposed, the fungus needs the right conditions to survive and colonize human hair. Practices that can lead to colonization and result in white piedra infection include:
White piedra is more common in temperate and semitropical climates. These areas include:
Additional risk factors for getting a white piedra infection include:
Most reports of white piedra have been in children and young adults, particularly females who regularly wear headbands. Also, women who immediately tie and cover wet hair and their scalp with a veil have a higher chance of developing white piedra. Individuals who suspect that they have white piedra should see a doctor. A doctor can diagnose white piedra by conducting a physical examination. They may also recommend microscopic testing of the affected hair to confirm a diagnosis. Shaving the affected area is the preferred treatment for white piedra. Medicated shampoos and lotions may be effective when shaving is not an option for cosmetic, personal, or cultural reasons. A person can treat white piedra with antifungal lotions and creams. Options may include:
Topical medications do not work for some individuals. A doctor may prescribe an oral antifungal medication, such as itraconazole or terbinafine, to treat persistent white piedra infections. White piedra of the genitals often recurs, so combining shaving with a short course of a topical antifungal is often necessary for a complete cure. The fungus may remain in clothing and bedding. A person should throw infected underwear away and disinfect other garments, linen, and towels to help prevent reinfection. Home remediesThere are no effective home remedies for treating white piedra. This type of hair infection requires medical evaluation and antifungal medication. White piedra infections will often come back, especially when they can pass between family members. Reinfection is usually the result of sharing combs, hair products or accessories, pillows, and linens. Several measures can help prevent a person from both initial infection and reinfection with white piedra. These measures include:
White piedra is a rare superficial fungal infection of the hair shaft. It can affect people of any age and tends to occur in temperate regions of the world. Shaving the affected area and completing a short course of a topical antifungal can treat white piedra. Following good personal hygiene and hair care practices can help prevent future recurrences of white piedra. What are the tiny white balls in my hair?Nits (eggs) are tiny white specks attached to hairs close to the scalp. Unlike dandruff or sand, nits can't be shaken off the hair shafts. Best places to look for nits: behind the ears and along the hairline at the neck. Itching of the scalp is the main symptom.
How do you get rid of white piedra?Treatment for both white and black piedra includes clipping or shaving hair in the affected area, along with topical antifungal therapy. Ketoconazole 2% shampoo and topical keratolytics also can be effective.
How do you know if you have white piedra?The main symptom of white piedra is the formation of clusters of tiny nodules along the hair shafts. These rock-like structures appear white, gray, or tan. The stones are soft, feel gritty to the touch, and are easy to remove. However, removal may cause the affected hair shafts to split or break.
When I scratch my scalp little white balls?The white balls are pustules, occurring due to scratching and then infection. Probable diagnosis: Seborrhea capitis with folliculitis.
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