Lung Infections: Common Types and How to Treat Them
Tinea Can Be Really Harmful For Your Skin? Know About This Fungal Infection
Tinea refers to a group of fungal diseases. Ringworm, athlete's foot, and jock itch are all examples of tinea infections. These infections are rarely dangerous, but they can be painful. They can be contracted by touching an infected person, coming into contact with damp surfaces like shower floors, or even via a pet.
Tinea can affect many areas of the body. Despite its name, tinea is caused by a type of fungus known as dermatophytes. In an interaction with only my health, Dr SK Gupta, Dermatologist, DMCH, Drabhnaga, Bihar, explained all about tinea infection.
Causes of TineaTinea is highly contagious and can be caused by different species of fungi. The common sources of infection include:
What types Tinea infects your body's skin:
As per Dr Gupta, following are the symptoms of tinea:
Tinea, while uncomfortable and contagious, is a treatable fungal infection. Timely intervention, proper hygiene, and adherence to treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent the spread of the condition. If you suspect you have tinea or experience persistent skin issues, consult with a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment approach.
What Can Cause Bumps To Appear On The Scalp?
A variety of health issues can cause bumps to form on the scalp, including sweating, folliculitis, acne, head lice, and eczema. Treatment will depend on the cause but may include medicated shampoos, ointments, and other topical products.
Many causes of bumps in this area are harmless, but receiving a prompt diagnosis and treatment can address any concerns and resolve the issue quickly.
In this article, learn about the health conditions that can lead to bumps on the scalp and when to contact a healthcare professional.
Scalp acne can be similar to acne in other areas. A person may have raised bumps, whiteheads, or blackheads, which may be itchy, sore, or tender.
Scalp acne occurs when pores or hair follicles become clogged with dead skin cells or oil. If someone has oily hair or adds certain products, they might be more susceptible to scalp acne.
Factors that may contribute to scalp acne include:
If scalp acne develops consistently, wash the hair more thoroughly and try hypoallergenic hair products.
If the issue persists or gets worse, contact a dermatologist for specific guidance.
Folliculitis is a common infection that develops in hair follicles. It can look similar to acne and causes raised, round, inflamed, and itchy bumps.
The infection develops when bacteria enter damaged follicles, and the underlying cause may involve:
To relieve pain and help the skin heal, apply a warm compress to the area three or four times a day, for 20 minutes at a time.
If the issue worsens or the cause is unclear, contact a dermatologist.
There are many types of eczema, and two that can affect the scalp include:
Atopic dermatitisAtopic dermatitis is a type of eczema that can develop anywhere on the body, including the scalp.
It causes the skin to become inflamed. On a person with darker skin, the affected areas may become darker, grayish, or purplish. On a person with lighter skin, the areas may redden.
In children, it typically affects the hands, backs of the knees, insides of the elbows, scalp, and face.
Seborrheic dermatitisAdults with this chronic form of eczema on the scalp may notice color changes such as skin discoloration, as well as swelling and greasy scaling.
Beyond the scalp, seborrheic dermatitis can affect the:
For eczema on the scalp, try medicated shampoos, creams, or ointments.
Learn more about the treatments for scalp eczema.
Scalp psoriasis is a condition that causes inflamed, sometimes thickened patches of skin covered with silvery-white scales.
TreatmentCombining care strategies, medicated shampoos, and topical ointments can help.
Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin comes into contact with an allergen or irritant.
When this issue develops on the scalp, hair products containing fragrances or specific chemicals may be responsible.
When the scalp reacts to an irritant or allergen, such as a chemical, it can cause itchiness, a burning sensation, and sometimes blistering.
The reaction can occur within minutes of contact with the irritant.
TreatmentIt is important to avoid further contact with products that may be responsible. Also, a healthcare professional may prescribe topical steroids.
Pilar cysts are fluid-filled cysts most commonly develop on the scalp. They form in the hair follicles and contain excess keratin, a protein in the hair, nails, and skin.
The cysts are typically large and smooth, and they may be tender. Sometimes, more than one occurs in one area.
TreatmentPilar cysts typically go away on their own. To reduce the swelling and any tenderness, try applying a warm, clean washcloth to the area.
If a cyst becomes infected, a healthcare professional may prescribe antibiotics. Also, they may recommend the surgical removal of a cyst.
Learn more about the treatments for pilar cysts here.
Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin, and it can form on the scalp. Healthcare professionals may refer to this as tinea capitis.
Symptoms include:
Tinea capitis is more common in children than adults.
TreatmentCreams, powders, and lotions do not work for ringworm on the scalp. Instead, a healthcare professional prescribes an oral antifungal medication that a person must take for 1–3 months.
Melanomas can appear on the scalp, as can:
Unlike the other bumps or blemishes described above, lumps caused by skin cancer continue to change shape and size.
TreatmentIf any bumps on the scalp may indicate cancer, contact a dermatologist immediately.
After diagnosing, they will describe the treatments, including surgical and nonsurgical options.
A person can treat most health issues that cause bumps on the scalp at home with care strategies, such as using warm compresses or switching shampoos and over-the-counter medications.
However, contact a healthcare professional about any unusual growths or symptoms of ringworm or atopic dermatitis.
Also, if any scalp issue persists or worsens, consult a dermatologist.
Bumps on the scalp can result from various health issues, such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, pilar cysts, hives, or ringworm.
Some causes of bumps, such as skin cancer, require urgent medical attention. But often, a person can address the issue at home.
If any lump, bump, or blemish on the scalp is concerning, or if home care is ineffective, contact a dermatologist or another healthcare professional.
Dry Winter Skin? These 4 Natural Ingredients Can Help.
With minute receptors for touch, pressure, and pain, skin is a sensor, monitoring the body's surroundings and everything it contacts. With tiny blood vessels, sweat glands, and hairs, skin also acts as a thermostat, ready to release heat or conserve it to regulate body temperature.
Skin is also a watertight barrier, the first line of defense against the outside world. For all its toughness, however, skin can be easily harmed in everyday life, and especially when exposed to heat, sun, and the dry air of winter.
As ancient healers did, modern herbalists still turn to plants to cleanse, heal, and soothe the skin. Here are four ingredients that can help skin retain moisture during times of dryness.
AvocadoThe meat of the oily avocado is an ancient remedy for dry skin, mashed and applied directly as a natural moisturizer.
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Rich in oil and vitamins, avocado is an old remedy for soothing skin irritations and moisturizing dry skin. Some use avocado to relieve symptoms of psoriasis, eczema, and athlete's foot, although more scientific research needs to be done to fully support those claims.
Avocados are native to Central and South America, where people have been growing them for millennia. The fatty fruit can be used to make skin care treatments at home. Skin and hair care products containing avocado are widespread as well. For dry skin, mash a few slices of ripe avocado and apply it directly to the skin. Leave on for 20 minutes, and then rinse clean.
CalendulaThese calendula flowers, picked by a member of the Mohawk Nation for medicinal purposes, can be used externally or internally, in an ointment or a tea.
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Herbalists recommend calendula lotions, creams, and ointments for chapped skin, eczema, minor cuts and burns, diaper rash, insect bites, hemorrhoids, athlete's foot, and varicose veins. Taken internally, calendula may relieve throat infections, improve digestion, and heal gastric and duodenal ulcers. Recently, calendula topical ointment has been shown to help prevent dermatitis in breast cancer patients undergoing radiation.
Calendula is cultivated in gardens worldwide from subarctic regions to the tropics. The flowers and the whole plant are used in herbal medicine. The whole plant is harvested fresh for tinctures and extracts. Usually the dried flower heads are used in teas. For topical preparations, Extracts are incorporated into many skin products: soaps, creams, ointments, salves, and lotions with various concentrations of calendula. Apply preparations three to four times daily to heal minor skin conditions.
Coconut The lauric acid in the oil from coconuts—especially in its purest form—is ideal for treating all kinds of skin issues that arise from dryness. Photograph by Suphanat Khumsap, Getty ImagesPlease be respectful of copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited.
Coconut oil is a great natural remedy for all sorts of skin problems: dry skin, itchiness, athlete's foot, ringworm, diaper rash, and eczema. The oil contains lauric acid, which gives it antiviral and antifungal properties. One other promising area is hair care, and studies have shown coconut oil to be very effective in getting rid of lice.
Coconuts grow on palm trees found in tropical areas all over the world. Scientists believe that they were first cultivated in two main locations: the islands in Southeast Asia and the coast and coastal islands of India. Some coconut oil labels describe it as "virgin," but note that, unlike olive oil, no industry standard exists for that term. It generally means that the oil is unprocessed. Coconut oil can be stored at room temperature without spoiling. It will solidify below 76°F. For skin care, take a dime-size amount of coconut oil and massage daily into your hands, arms, legs, and feet.
OatmealA scrub of oatmeal is one of the healthiest ways to care for your skin. Natural healers promote oats to help soothe the skin from skin ailments including itchiness, dryness, oiliness, eczema, dermatitis, bug bites, and poison ivy. Oats soothe skin inflammation with a group of compounds called avenanthramides, which block the release of inflammatory compounds and histamines to reduce redness and itching. Oats also have antiviral and antifungal properties, which makes them useful in fighting the itch from chicken pox, shingles, and ringworm.
Oatmeal in many forms is readily available in any grocery store. It can be found in soaps, shampoos, ointments, and lotions. In the skin care aisle, you can find already prepared finely ground colloidal oatmeal (like Aveeno) available for purchase.
How to use oatmeal on your skin
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• For a soothing bath that can relieve itching, put a cup of oatmeal into a blender and process until finely ground. Pour the ground oatmeal into a tub of warm (not hot) water and soak for 15 minutes.• As a topical paste, grind four cups of oatmeal into a fine powder. Mix with a half cup baking soda or cornstarch, then add a half cup water to make a paste. Apply to the affected area and let dry for 30 to 60 minutes. Rinse with cool water.
Looking after dry skin every day with one—or all—of these natural remedies can alleviate uncomfortable itching and flaking all year long.
Portions of this work have previously appeared in Nature's Best Remedies. Copyright © 2023 National Geographic Society.
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