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White piedra is a relatively rare fungal infection of the hair shaft. It is caused by a yeast-like fungus called Trichosporon. The two types of fungus that cause white piedra are T. inkin and T. ovoides. White piedra is generally not contagious. The primary symptoms of white piedra are white-to-tan gelatinous, pearly nodules surrounding the hair shaft. These nodules are typically found in facial hair and body hair (for example, in mustaches and beards, on eyelashes and eyebrows, and in armpit and pubic hair). The nodules are about 1mm or greater in diameter and are fairly easy to remove. Other symptoms of white piedra include:
White piedra can occur in any age group and in both sexes, but young men seem to be most at risk. The condition is most prevalent in humid-to-temperate climates. In the United States, most incidences occur in the South, although some cases have also been documented in the Northeast. White piedra can be confused with other conditions that affect the hair. Here’s how white piedra differs from other hair or scalp conditions: Lice vs. white piedraLice are small, non-flying insects that attach to the hair shaft and suck blood from the scalp. Lice eggs (called nits) are dark colored, but hatched lice are light in color. Unlike lice, white piedra will not produce a severely itchy sensation or make you feel like something is crawling along your head. White piedra nodules are easy to remove while lice nits are not. Black piedra vs. white piedraBlack piedra is a cousin to white piedra. The nodules that characterize black piedra are hard, black/brown in color, and difficult to remove. Black piedra is more commonly seen in scalp hair and not facial or body hair. Tinea versicolor vs. white piedraTinea versicolor is a fungal skin infection caused by yeast. People with this condition can get scaly patches anywhere on their body. These patches can be lighter or darker than your natural skin color. Unlike these skin patches, white piedra appears as nodules around the hair shaft that are a white-to-tan in color. Dandruff vs. white piedraDandruff is a condition that affects the scalp, while white piedra affects the hair shaft. The technical cause of white piedra is a fungus of the trichosporon variety. This fungus is found mostly in soil. It is not clear how people get this infection but it may be that people who get white piedra already have the trichosporon fungus on their skin. Doctors diagnose white piedra by examining the hair shaft and the nodules. They may also perform tests on the fungus to help pinpoint their diagnosis. The first line of treatment is to completely shave off all infected hair. Doing so may be sufficient to rid yourself of the fungus. Other treatment options include antifungal creams, shampoos, and oral antifungal medications. The most common complication of white piedra is hair loss and/or brittle hair. People who are immunosuppressed (who have HIV or are undergoing chemotherapy), can have pruritic (characterized by a burning sensation) or necrotic (consisting of dead tissue) nodules or papules. These can cause intense itching and discomfort. While shaving infected hair is the first line of defense, the condition does respond well to topical and oral antifungal treatments, usually used for just a few weeks. For the most part, white piedra is a harmless condition and most people will recover with few if any health consequences. They will also go on to grow healthy hair. Nobody enjoys an itchy scalp. Unless it is a chronic condition, lice are often the first concern when the scalp suddenly begins to itch — particularly if you or your children have been exposed to a recent outbreak at school, in day care, or during some sort of group activity (e.g. summer camp). Because lice are extremely common and contagious, it is important to be able to distinguish between lice, nits, dandruff, and a dry scalp to prevent the unnecessary spreading
of lice. Dandruff (also known as seborrhea dermatitis) affects up to 50% of the general population. It is caused by the excessive production of dead skin cells that itch and become flaky. It is self-contained and cannot be spread to others, though some evidence does suggest dandruff can run in families. Dandruff affects those who
have either overly dry or oily scalps, often resulting in scaly skin and white flaky particles visible in the hair. Lice, on the other hand, are highly contagious parasites that look like tiny white bugs. Left untreated, they infest the scalp and cause an irritating itching sensation as they crawl around and lay eggs. Lice often spread quickly and easily because they can crawl from one infected scalp to another through head-to-head contact. In fact,
6-12 million U.S. kids between the ages of 3 and 11 become infected with lice each year. The quickest way to distinguish between lice and dandruff is that lice don’t just brush out; they adhere to the hair with a cement-like bonding agent and are very difficult to remove without special tools, such as
a lice comb. If it brushes out or you can flick it out, it’s likely dandruff. Note that lice are unable to jump, fly, or swim, and cannot survive in your surrounding environment (furniture, sheets, etc.). There are three forms of lice:
Illustration and info with thanks to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Lice vs. NitsLice Prevention Kit Covered above, nits (i.e. lice eggs) are typically white, tan, or brown in color and usually attach to individual strands of hair. While adult lice only grow to about the size of a sesame seed, nits are even smaller, resembling microscopic specs in the hair. It is much easier to contain nits prior to them hatching into a full-blown lice infestation. If you or your children have been exposed to a recent lice outbreak, it is highly advisable that you invest in a lice prevention kit. (Even if not, it is beneficial to have one on hand; you never know when an outbreak may happen.) What Causes Lice? What Causes Dandruff?Contrary to popular belief, lice are not associated with cleanliness. Many wrongly assume that only those who fail to wash their hair regularly intercept lice, when in reality lice can affect anyone who comes into contact with an infected individual. Several studies show that lice are most prevalent in closed environments with young children – like schools and day cares – where kids can easily experience head-to-head contact. Unlike lice, which are highly contagious, dandruff is not infectious. The Journal of Investigative Dermatology has reported that dandruff is the result of three factors: excessive skin oil secretion, the over-production of yeast, and allergic reactions. Some studies also suggest that dandruff could be partly hereditary. The Difference Between Lice & Dandruff SymptomsWhile both conditions cause an itchy scalp, there are some key difference in lice vs. dandruff symptoms. What lice look like:
What lice feel like:
What dandruff looks like:
What dandruff feels like:
How to Identify Lice & DandruffPerforming regular head checks, especially on children, can help identify any dandruff or lice before the condition spreads. Dandruff is often easily spotted as dead skin cells begin to flake away from the scalp, while lice can be a bit trickier to identify and may require a professional lice screening. When searching for lice, it is important to examine the hair under a bright light and work in sections. Professionals will often use a lice comb to sort through the hair and remove any dandruff or debris that could be mistaken for lice. You should be looking for any nits stuck to strands of hair, or lice (small six-legged, wingless bugs) crawling through the hair or scalp. Make sure to check around the ears, nape, and hairline as these are the places lice tend to congregate most. How to Treat DandruffDandruff can often be treated at home using specially formulated shampoos and topical creams. Washing your hair regularly with products for sensitive skin and ensuring that you adequately scrub your scalp can minimize itchiness. Several effective home remedies for dandruff include tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, and neem oil. Tea Tree Oil Another option is to mix it with a carrier oil (such as jojoba oil) and massage it into your scalp for 10-15 minutes before washing. Related: Tea Tree Oil for Lice Prevention Eucalyptus Oil Neem Oil How to Treat LiceUnfortunately, most home remedies for lice don’t work. Should you spot lice, it is best to consult a lice professional as it is highly contagious and may need an intensive treatment plan to eliminate the infestation. Find a Salon Near You If you are more of a do-it-yourselfer, we have a page dedicated to getting rid of lice at home. Questions About Lice? Why does my hair have little white balls?White piedra is a relatively rare fungal infection of the hair shaft. It is caused by a yeast-like fungus called Trichosporon. The two types of fungus that cause white piedra are T. inkin and T.
When I scratch my scalp white balls?The white balls are pustules, occurring due to scratching and then infection. Probable diagnosis: Seborrhea capitis with folliculitis.
What are the balls in my hair?Hair follicles are part of your skin that are responsible for growing your hair. If you accidentally pull out a strand of your hair and it has a ball (bulb) on the end of it, you didn't pull out the follicle, and instead, you removed your hair root. That root grows back and your hair will grow back, too.
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