Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentPrognosisPreventionFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prognosis
Prevention
Frequently Asked Questions
Yeast on the scalp that causes infection is a condition that can occur at any age, although it is more common in children.
There are many factors that can contribute to a scalp yeast infection, but an overgrowth of yeast is the primary underlying cause. Several types of over-the-counter shampoo products, as well as prescription medications, can be used to treat a yeast infection on the scalp.
Learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatment of yeast on the scalp.
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Symptoms of a yeast infection on the scalp may include:
Symptom ConfusionThere are other conditions of the scalp that may produce similar symptoms. It’s important to consult with your healthcare provider anytime you have a scalp irritation to discover the underlying cause before using any type of over-the-counter products or home remedies for a yeast infection.
Symptom Confusion
There are other conditions of the scalp that may produce similar symptoms. It’s important to consult with your healthcare provider anytime you have a scalp irritation to discover the underlying cause before using any type of over-the-counter products or home remedies for a yeast infection.
Complications
When a scalp yeast infection goes untreated, over time, it could lead to:
The skin (and scalp) has a natural balance of yeast and bacteria that is known as the skin’s natural flora. Certain types of bacteria (lactobacillus) help to prevent an overabundance of yeast from growing on the skin. When the natural balance is disrupted, a yeast infection can form.
The Difference Between Malassezia and Candida YeastsA couple differences between Malassezia and Candida yeasts include:Candidayeast is the most common cause of fungal infections of the skin and scalp (particularly in people who are immunocompromised) and is the number one cause of genital yeast infections.Malasseziayeast is the cause of various skin diseases such as Malassezia folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicle) andtinea versicolor(abnormal pigmentation).
The Difference Between Malassezia and Candida Yeasts
A couple differences between Malassezia and Candida yeasts include:Candidayeast is the most common cause of fungal infections of the skin and scalp (particularly in people who are immunocompromised) and is the number one cause of genital yeast infections.Malasseziayeast is the cause of various skin diseases such as Malassezia folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicle) andtinea versicolor(abnormal pigmentation).
A couple differences between Malassezia and Candida yeasts include:
A yeast infection on the scalp can usually be diagnosed during a physical examination. But if your healthcare provider is unsure of the cause of the infection—whether from Candida or Malassezia—some lab tests may be ordered.
Commonly, a sample of tissue is taken from the affected area, and a microscopic examination of the tissue is performed. The organism’s size, shape, and structure are examined under a microscope to determine whether it is yeast and which kind.
It’s important to identify the genus of yeast that is the underlying cause of the scalp infection so the right type of antifungal medication can be ordered and be most effective against the specific type of organism.
Medications
Antifungal shampoos with 2% ketoconazole (Nizoral) are often prescribed for daily use (or several times each week) for long-term control of dandruff. The use of ketoconazole one time per week may be prescribed to prevent dandruff from coming back once it’s resolved.
Sometimes topical (on the skin) corticosteroids are used for severe scalp inflammation. However, side effects can occur with long-term use, so this type of medication should be given for a short period until the inflammation subsides.
There are corticosteroid shampoos available such as fluocinolone 0.01% solution (Synalar) and betamethasone valerate 0.12% foam (Luxiq) that are often prescribed for use twice per week, alternating with ketoconazole 3% (Nizoral) twice weekly.
Shampoo Warning for Children
Home Remedies
Home remedies for the treatment of a scalp fungus include:
Home remedies for any type of infection (including fungal infections) should not be used without consulting your healthcare provider.
Measures for preventing scalp yeast recurrence include:
Summary
Yeast on the scalp involves an imbalance of the skin’s flora from an overgrowth of yeast, such as Candida or Malassezia. Several types of over-the-counter shampoo products, as well as prescription medications, can be used to treat a yeast infection on the scalp. If you think you have yeast on the scalp, speak with a healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked QuestionsYes, a Candida yeast infection on the scalp can cause hair loss. This can occur when hair follicles become damaged as a result of the crust from infection. Anyone can experience this symptom, but people with hypothyroidism are at greater risk.Yes, sleeping with wet hair can cause a scalp yeast infection. This is because both types of yeast (Candida and Malassezia) thrive in warm, humid environments. If your hair is not dry before lying down for the night, it can promote yeast growth and lead to infection.Anyone can have a scalp yeast infection, but there are some people who may be at greater risk. This includes people who have:a weakened immune systema stem cell transplantcanceran organ transplantHIVAdditionally, people who take antibiotics may have a higher risk.
Yes, a Candida yeast infection on the scalp can cause hair loss. This can occur when hair follicles become damaged as a result of the crust from infection. Anyone can experience this symptom, but people with hypothyroidism are at greater risk.
Yes, sleeping with wet hair can cause a scalp yeast infection. This is because both types of yeast (Candida and Malassezia) thrive in warm, humid environments. If your hair is not dry before lying down for the night, it can promote yeast growth and lead to infection.
Anyone can have a scalp yeast infection, but there are some people who may be at greater risk. This includes people who have:a weakened immune systema stem cell transplantcanceran organ transplantHIVAdditionally, people who take antibiotics may have a higher risk.
Anyone can have a scalp yeast infection, but there are some people who may be at greater risk. This includes people who have:
Additionally, people who take antibiotics may have a higher risk.
10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Candidiasis.Access Medicine.Yeast infections: Candidiasis, Tinea (Pityriasis) Versicolor, and Malassezia.DermNet NZ.What is follicular occlusion syndrome?Saunte DML, Gaitanis G, Hay RJ.Malassezia-associated skin diseases, the use of diagnostics and treatment.Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2020;10:112. doi:10.3389/fcimb.2020.00112Spampinato C, Leonardi D.Candida infections, causes, targets, and resistance mechanisms: traditional and alternative antifungal agents.BioMed Research International.2013;1-13. doi:10.1155/2013/204237MedlinePlus.Dandruff, cradle cap, and other scalp conditions.Clark GW, Pope SM, Jaboori KA.Diagnosis and treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.Am Fam Physician. 2015;91(3):185-190.Ortonne JP, Nikkels AF, Reich K, et al.Efficacious and safe management of moderate to severe scalp seborrhoeic dermatitis using clobetasol propionate shampoo 0.05% combined with ketoconazole shampoo 2%: A randomized, controlled study.Br J Dermatol. 2011;165(1):171–176. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2011.10269.xCenters for Disease Control and Prevention.Who gets fungal infections?Johns Hopkins Medicine.Yeast infection.
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Candidiasis.Access Medicine.Yeast infections: Candidiasis, Tinea (Pityriasis) Versicolor, and Malassezia.DermNet NZ.What is follicular occlusion syndrome?Saunte DML, Gaitanis G, Hay RJ.Malassezia-associated skin diseases, the use of diagnostics and treatment.Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2020;10:112. doi:10.3389/fcimb.2020.00112Spampinato C, Leonardi D.Candida infections, causes, targets, and resistance mechanisms: traditional and alternative antifungal agents.BioMed Research International.2013;1-13. doi:10.1155/2013/204237MedlinePlus.Dandruff, cradle cap, and other scalp conditions.Clark GW, Pope SM, Jaboori KA.Diagnosis and treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.Am Fam Physician. 2015;91(3):185-190.Ortonne JP, Nikkels AF, Reich K, et al.Efficacious and safe management of moderate to severe scalp seborrhoeic dermatitis using clobetasol propionate shampoo 0.05% combined with ketoconazole shampoo 2%: A randomized, controlled study.Br J Dermatol. 2011;165(1):171–176. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2011.10269.xCenters for Disease Control and Prevention.Who gets fungal infections?Johns Hopkins Medicine.Yeast infection.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Candidiasis.Access Medicine.Yeast infections: Candidiasis, Tinea (Pityriasis) Versicolor, and Malassezia.DermNet NZ.What is follicular occlusion syndrome?Saunte DML, Gaitanis G, Hay RJ.Malassezia-associated skin diseases, the use of diagnostics and treatment.Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2020;10:112. doi:10.3389/fcimb.2020.00112Spampinato C, Leonardi D.Candida infections, causes, targets, and resistance mechanisms: traditional and alternative antifungal agents.BioMed Research International.2013;1-13. doi:10.1155/2013/204237MedlinePlus.Dandruff, cradle cap, and other scalp conditions.Clark GW, Pope SM, Jaboori KA.Diagnosis and treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.Am Fam Physician. 2015;91(3):185-190.Ortonne JP, Nikkels AF, Reich K, et al.Efficacious and safe management of moderate to severe scalp seborrhoeic dermatitis using clobetasol propionate shampoo 0.05% combined with ketoconazole shampoo 2%: A randomized, controlled study.Br J Dermatol. 2011;165(1):171–176. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2011.10269.xCenters for Disease Control and Prevention.Who gets fungal infections?Johns Hopkins Medicine.Yeast infection.
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Candidiasis.
Access Medicine.Yeast infections: Candidiasis, Tinea (Pityriasis) Versicolor, and Malassezia.
DermNet NZ.What is follicular occlusion syndrome?
Saunte DML, Gaitanis G, Hay RJ.Malassezia-associated skin diseases, the use of diagnostics and treatment.Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2020;10:112. doi:10.3389/fcimb.2020.00112
Spampinato C, Leonardi D.Candida infections, causes, targets, and resistance mechanisms: traditional and alternative antifungal agents.BioMed Research International.2013;1-13. doi:10.1155/2013/204237
MedlinePlus.Dandruff, cradle cap, and other scalp conditions.
Clark GW, Pope SM, Jaboori KA.Diagnosis and treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.Am Fam Physician. 2015;91(3):185-190.
Ortonne JP, Nikkels AF, Reich K, et al.Efficacious and safe management of moderate to severe scalp seborrhoeic dermatitis using clobetasol propionate shampoo 0.05% combined with ketoconazole shampoo 2%: A randomized, controlled study.Br J Dermatol. 2011;165(1):171–176. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2011.10269.x
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Who gets fungal infections?
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Yeast infection.
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