How can a person know if they have white piedra? The signs of white piedra include clusters of tiny nodules along the hair shafts, which are either white or tan.
White piedra is characterized by small, white to tan, irregular nodules that encircle the hair shaft. These nodules are soft and can be easily detached from the hair shaft; the affected hairs may be split or broken.
Diagnosis. Clinical inspection of the hair shafts and demonstration of fungal elements on KOH examination make the diagnosis in both forms of piedra.
In therapeutic terms, the management of white piedra is considered straightforward. In most cases, antifungal shampoos are employed, with 2 % ketoconazole shampoo being considered the most effective.
Head and body lice and their egg casings — known as nits — may resemble white piedra stones. However, nits are not as easy to remove as white piedra deposits, and lice cause severe itching while white piedra does not. Also, with a lice infection, tiny white bugs that resemble crabs may be visible to the naked eye.
Over time, the fungus causes hair damage and breakage. Patients with untreated piedra may develop hair loss as a result.
Hair samples are collected and sent to a laboratory, where they are cultured in an environment that promotes fungal growth. The type of fungus is identified under a microscope or through other laboratory techniques.
Piedra is a superficial fungal infection of hair shafts, which presents with small nodules stuck-on to the shaft. Black piedra, caused by Piedraia hortae, is characterized by black-colored nodules and is common in the tropics, especially in individuals with long hair and poor scalp hygiene.
Although relatively uncommon, white piedra should be suspected in any patient presenting with irritation and foul odor in the genital area or multiple failed therapies for a nonspecific genital dermatitis.
Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which has antifungal properties. It also moisturizes skin. One small study in India found that coconut oil reduces bacteria and fungus on the scalp.
White Piedra Treatment Shampoo
Antifungal shampoos containing ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione are often recommended. These shampoos help reduce fungal growth and alleviate symptoms. For optimal results, it is important to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
Common symptoms include: Yellow, White, or Black Nodules: These can be seen on the hair shafts. Malodor: A foul smell emanating from the affected area. Excessive Sweating: Also known as hyperhidrosis.
Many of us, especially in cold and dry weather, may see white flakes falling from our hair and assume they are dandruff. Flakes from dry scalp are far more common than true dandruff. Dandruff is caused by overgrowth of a yeast (malassezia) present on most normal skin. Less washed hair can result in a more oily scalp.
In the scalp, fungal infections often form circular, scaly, inflamed patches. Frequently, there can be temporary hair loss (hair returns when infection clears but if treatment is delayed and scarring results, permanent hair loss can be seen).
Ketoconazole Brand names: Daktarin Gold, Daktarin Intensiv, Dandrazol, Nizoral. Find out how ketoconazole cream and shampoo treats fungal skin infections and how to use it.
If more than 10% hairs are pulled away from the scalp, this constitutes a positive pull test and implies active hair shedding. The patient must not shampoo for at least a day prior to the pull test [Figure 2].
These are soft and loosely clump together on your hair. You'll find white Piedra on scalp hair, facial hair, and body hair. This is usually associated with brittle hair, stinging pain, and itching. For some people, especially the immuno-compromised, this can lead to an intense burning sensation.
Trichomycosis presents with yellow-white (occasionally red or black), soft, malodorous nodules and sheath-like structures on hair shafts (picture 1A-C).
Simultaneous visualization of head louse makes the diagnosis easier, in addition to history of itching reported by the patient [2]. Hair casts can be easily pulled along the hair shaft as compared to nodules of white piedra which are immobile. Microscopic examination can easily differentiate the two.
Causes And Diagnosis Of White Piedra
This fungus has been found mostly in the soil. The real cause of this fungus cannot be exactly found but people getting this infection have been in contact with someone who has been infected with the problem and already has Trichosporon fungus on their skin.
The main treatment for both types of piedra is shaving or clipping off the hair. Your doctor can also prescribe an antifungal, in the form of a shampoo or a pill. Your hair should grow back once it's treated.