Fungal infection in beard or scalp
Fungal infection of the scalp usually affects children under 10 years old, although it can affect older children and adults. The fancy medical term is tinea capitis for the scalp (or tinea barbaris for the beard or moustache), and it can cause itching and patchy hair loss, with ring-shaped areas of redness and flakiness.
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Are there risks to leaving it?
Yellow crusts may form if left untreated, and cause hair to become matted. This may need to be cut or shaved off, and it may cause damage to the hair follicles, as well as a risk of bleeding and bacterial infection.
Is it contagious?
It is contagious with long periods of close contact, for example, with siblings, and it can contaminate hairbrushes and combs, towels, clothes and even headrests and pillowcases. That said, it's not a reason to keep children off school or for adults to stay off work, but it's best to get on with treatment.
When should I see my doctor?
You should book a routine appointment with your doctor, who will examine you. This condition is treated with anti-fungal medication - tablets or liquid, and they may send off any flakes or affected hairs from the scalp to confirm the diagnosis.
It's a good idea to take family members to the appointment in case they need treatment, too, or your doctor may suggest all the family are treated, as some people can pass the fungal infection on without getting any symptoms themselves. It's also worth remembering that it can survive weeks to months on shared household items or furniture.
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