When a person is diagnosed with a fungus on the scalp, the course of therapy is aimed at eliminating not only the aesthetic defect caused by unhealthy hair and dandruff. Proper treatment with a remedy for scalp fungus allows you to maintain healthy skin and hair, preventing complications.
To treat scalp fungus, you need tablets and ointments sold in pharmacies. In the initial stages, external agents are more effective, and tablets help if the disorder is advanced.
- What to consider when choosing medications?
- What ointments are used to treat scalp fungus?
- What tablets can I use?
- What folk remedies help with scalp fungus?
What to consider when choosing medications?
It is impossible to say for sure which remedy for scalp fungus is the most effective. In pharmacies, tablets and ointments are presented in a wide range, but first it is better to consult a trichologist or dermatologist. A specialist will examine you, refer you for tests and identify the pathogens.
Self-medication can be dangerous, and when choosing tablets, ointments or other medications for scalp fungus, it is important to consider certain recommendations. If you choose the wrong remedy, you will not get the effect, and the disease will progress.
The fungus is a rapidly developing pathology, and without taking certain measures, mycosis will spread to the deep layers of the skin and cover healthy skin, including mucous membranes. Fighting mycosis is a long process that requires patience.
Antifungal tablets and ointments are potent agents that are toxic. When choosing them, it is necessary to take into account the anamnesis. Contraindications usually include metabolic disorders, renal failure, blood diseases, vascular pathologies and tumors.
Causes of candidal dermatitis
The causative agent of the disease, a fungus of the genus Candida , is a constant companion of humans.
A healthy body controls the number of pathogens, so no manifestations of their vital activity are observed.
Active reproduction of fungal spores begins when the following circumstances occur:
- Weakening of the immune system . The body ceases to control the number of microorganisms, and they begin to multiply rapidly, gradually displacing beneficial microflora.
- Allergic reactions . A tendency to allergies significantly increases the risk of fungal growth on the skin, and inflamed skin becomes a breeding ground for fungal spores.
- Chronic diseases . An organism weakened by chronic diseases is unable to resist the effects of pathogens. Diseases that contribute to the development of skin fungus are diabetes mellitus, endocrine diseases, and gastrointestinal disorders.
- Constant stress . Loss of mental balance provokes exacerbation of many chronic diseases. During particularly stressful periods of a person’s life, various diseases begin to plague them, including fungus on the skin.
- Taking medications . Strong antibiotics, hormonal and antibacterial agents destroy the intestinal microflora, and a person becomes defenseless under the onslaught of pathogenic microorganisms.
- Failure to comply with hygiene rules . Living in unsanitary conditions, a person also exposes himself to the risk of fungal infection. Fungal infection accumulates on any surface. As soon as an infected person walks on the carpet, it literally becomes a breeding ground for parasites.
What ointments are used to treat scalp fungus?
Effective remedies for scalp fungus are ointments that are sold in all pharmacies. They must be used carefully and strictly according to the instructions, otherwise, instead of having a positive effect, you may aggravate the situation or waste precious time.
Clotrimazole ointment
This ointment against fungus on the scalp has a wide range of effects and suppresses the development of pathogenic microflora, especially yeast-like fungi. The drug is especially effective for mycoses of the scalp caused by the development of Candida fungi. The dosage and duration of use of ointments should be determined by the attending physician, taking into account various factors and the stage of development of the disease.
Betamatezon
This gel for scalp fungus is good as an auxiliary drug to reduce inflammation. The ointment relieves itching, removes flaking, and has a beneficial effect on local immunity. For significant fungal infections on the skin of the scalp, Betamateson is used as an independent remedy. It is also suitable to complement antifungal therapy administered with tablets.
Exoderil
An effective ointment that helps not only in the fight against scalp fungus, but also eliminates pathogenic microflora on other parts of the body. The healing effect is due to the active component called Naftifine hydrochloride. The drug penetrates deeply into the skin and begins to accumulate inside it. Overdose is excluded, since the active components are not absorbed into the blood. Skin lesions disappear within 2-6 weeks.
Mikozan
The therapeutic effect of this ointment against fungus on the head is due to the active substance called Ketoconazole. The product relieves unpleasant itching and redness. The course of therapy can be up to one month, and after the symptoms are eliminated, you cannot stop using the ointment. Mycosan helps fight many fungal infections, but it is highly toxic, so it is not suitable for women during pregnancy, lactation, or children.
Other types of antifungal ointments
In addition to the ointments listed, there are a number of common, but not branded, drugs that are considered to be of no less quality and resist fungal infections and provide effective treatment; they are sold in any pharmacy. This includes such quality products as:
- The well-known salicylic ointment
, which is in every home medicine cabinet and is used in the treatment of a wide range of skin diseases. The product is used simultaneously with other antifungal drugs one to three times a day. Treatment lasts 2-3 weeks; - Sulfur ointment
, which is simply irreplaceable as a treatment for fungus on the hands, especially when it comes to skin diseases. The drug contains approximately 30% sulfur. For effective foot fungus, experts recommend using a 10% solution. The drug is applied approximately twice a day; as for time, in most cases a week is enough to completely get rid of problematic skin conditions; - The famous zinc ointment
, which also refers to preparations containing zinc oxide and a certain amount of petroleum jelly. If necessary, the drug is prescribed to nursing mothers and pregnant women, as there are no side effects. On average, the drug can be applied 4-5 times; - Special Chinese ointment
, which contains salicylic acid, zinc, water and other specialized substances that make this drug as effective as possible in the fight against various fungal diseases.
Important!
It is quite difficult to purchase ointment from Chinese manufacturers in a regular pharmacy; it is best to find a specialized online store. There are a certain number of contraindications, so you should first consult with specialists.
What tablets can I use?
Tablets for the treatment of scalp fungus also give excellent results, no worse than ointments, creams and gels. Among the most effective tablets, which have the most positive reviews on the Internet, are:
- Ketoconazole. This product creates antifungal and antiparasitic effects. You need to take one tablet per day for two or three weeks, and then take a break.
- Miconazole tablets are taken up to four tablets per day.
- Fluconazole. This drug is suitable for the treatment and prevention of fungal infections of the scalp. You should take no more than one tablet per day.
- Nystatin. A powerful antifungal drug with an antibacterial effect.
- Griseofulvin. These scalp fungus tablets are combined with vegetable oil. You need to calculate the dosage according to a simple scheme: one tablet per ten kilograms of body weight. These tablets are contraindicated for children under two years of age and women during pregnancy and lactation.
Remember for the future how to treat scalp fungus, and you can also try using folk remedies.
Basic recommendations for using ointments
If a decision has been made to treat a skin disease with a special ointment, solution or cream, certain rules must be strictly followed in order to have the most positive effect during the treatment process. This includes the following recommendations:
- During the application process, it is necessary to maintain cleanliness, both of the area affected by the disease and of the entire skin of the body;
- Before performing the treatment procedure, it is necessary to carefully treat the lesion and dry it thoroughly;
- It is very important to protect your eyes from penetration of the product used. If carelessness has been shown, it is worth rinsing these areas of the body with water;
- The ointment must be applied not only to the affected area, but also to all adjacent areas;
- Often the fungus affects several areas on the body at the same time, in which case treatment should be carried out on all such areas at the same time. This will help avoid a possible relapse of the disease;
- It is necessary to change daily wardrobe items that come into contact with the affected areas during wear.
If the treatment does not produce results, if the first symptoms of recovery are absent, it is worth changing the drug and visiting a specialist.
What folk remedies help with scalp fungus?
Folk remedies can be used to treat scalp fungus in the initial stages of its development. The simplest remedy is prepared from two liters of water, a spoon of soda and the same amount of ammonia. You need to rinse your hair with this liquid every 2-3 days.
Treatment of fungus with salt and iodine is an old, proven remedy; we talked about it on our website.
Masks against scalp fungus are very helpful. You will need 2 glasses of water and 50 g of peppermint. Boil over low heat for ten minutes and then strain. After cooling, add three tablespoons of carrot juice, a spoonful of lemon juice and the same amount of vinegar to the broth. This product should be rubbed into the scalp after washing and left for half an hour or an hour, and then rinsed with warm water.
Essential oils are also good folk remedies for scalp fungus. Tea tree, rosemary, cedar and lemon oils are especially good against fungus. You need to rub the oil into your scalp every day before going to bed, and wash your hair with antifungal shampoo in the morning.
Symptoms of the disease
External manifestations of a fungal infection are not immediately noticeable.
The process of spore reproduction begins in the internal organs and mucous membranes, then gradually moves to the skin.
Redness primarily appears in the folds of the skin: between the fingers and toes, in the armpits, and in the groin.
Characteristic symptoms of skin fungus:
- Redness and rash. First, redness is noticeable on the mucous membranes, then moves to the skin folds. Areas affected by the fungus become covered with a rash and a whitish coating . The rash consists of tiny blisters located in patches or at a certain distance from each other. The skin peels, becomes wet, and sometimes becomes covered with scales.
- White discharge with a cheesy consistency . This characteristic sign allows you to distinguish a fungal infection from hives and allergic reactions. The discharge has a characteristic sourish odor.
- Abdominal pain. Pain unrelated to food intake appears suddenly and is often accompanied by diarrhea, bloating, and nausea.
- Headache . They are partly associated with a general weakening of the body.
- Depression. The person becomes irritable and loses interest in life . A depressed state further promotes the proliferation of pathogens; the fungus seems to draw energy from the body.
IMPORTANT! The proliferation of fungus on the skin leads to inflammation and suppuration of some of its areas. In this case, there is a risk of secondary bacterial infection.
Cheap ointments for toenail fungus
When toenail fungus occurs, not everyone knows how long and how to treat it. It is necessary to continue using the medications after the symptoms disappear to prevent relapse. Below are cheap and effective ointments.
No. 1. Salicylic ointment
Price – 30 rubles. A popular medicine that is used not only to get rid of nail fungus, but also diseases affecting the skin. The composition should be rubbed in with a cotton swab up to 3 times a day. Therapy is maintained for 3 weeks. As an alternative, the ointment is applied to the affected area as a compress for 6-12 hours.
No. 2. Zinc ointment
Price – 80 rubles. Zinc-based ointment eliminates toenail fungus by stopping the proliferation of pathogenic microflora. It is considered the best and most inexpensive due to its safety for children and pregnant women, for whom more powerful medications are contraindicated.
No. 3. Vishnevsky ointment
Price – 50 rubles. Vishnevsky ointment contains birch tar, xeroform and castor oil. The anti-fungus composition is applied to the area disinfected with alcohol. The product is rubbed into the nail plate for several minutes. Next, the affected area is tied with gauze for 8 hours. It is better to resort to therapy before bedtime. The course continues until recovery.
No. 4. Ichthyol ointment
Price – 100 rubles. The main substance in the form of ichthyol promotes rapid healing and restoration of the damaged plate. The product at the cellular level accelerates the process of tissue regeneration. Ointment and glycerin are mixed in equal proportions. Next, the drug is applied to the damaged area and fixed with a bandage for 3 hours. You should resort to the procedure 4 times a day. The course is half a month.
Conclusion
The possibilities for the therapeutic effects of creams and ointments against fungal infections are wide. Today, the pharmaceutical industry is ready to offer a huge range of drugs for external and internal use.
They have proven their effectiveness over the years. It is for this reason that you should not hesitate to self-medicate if you have a fungal infection.
Any fungal disease requires mandatory medical care; only in this case can a lasting result be achieved.
Negative sides of ointments
Speaking about cream for fungal infections, we should note the negative aspects of such treatment. It is recommended to list the following disadvantages of treatment using local remedies:
- the need to use other systemic drugs against the background of local drugs;
- For reliable protection against relapses, a mandatory consultation with a doctor is recommended.
Knowing the main advantages and disadvantages of topical treatments for fungal infections, you can choose whether to treat the disease with drugs.
Before starting therapy, it is recommended to consult a doctor; only after testing and confirmation of the disease can a suitable treatment be prescribed in each case.
