Can I Get a Yeast Infection on My Head?

What is a yeast infection?

Your skin typically has a small amount of yeast that doesn’t cause any problems. But when too much
of this type of yeast grows, you may develop an infection. It’s more likely to develop when a
particular part of your body is unusually moist and not exposed to a free flow of air. A yeast infection
can develop anywhere on or inside your body. This includes your feet, fingernails, and scalp.
ResearchTrusted Source has found that Candida is one of the most common types of fungus to cause
infections of the skin and other organs. Although studies trusted Source have identified more than 20
speciesTrusted Source of this fungus, most Candida infections (candidiasis) of the skin are caused by
the one known as Candida albicans.

Causes of a scalp yeast infection

Candida thrives in warm and moist areas, but you can develop a scalp yeast infection even without
these conditions. Sometimes the natural environment of your skin can become unbalanced. This can
occur due to:
 medical conditions
 unhealthy diet
 stress
 certain medications
 harsh chemicals in some personal grooming products
Small cuts on your scalp may also provide an entryway for the fungus to get below the surface. All of
these factors can create favorable conditions for Candida to grow.
A scalp yeast infection is often curable with treatment. But if left untreated, Candida can cause more
serious health concerns if it spreads to other parts of the body, such as the:
 eyes
 mouth
 digestive system
 bloodstream
 bones
 internal organs
 The risk factors for candidiasis include:
 weakened immune system
 diabetes
 hypothyroidism
 inflammatory conditions
 pregnancy
 use of antibiotics, corticosteroids, or birth control
 coexisting skin conditions, such as psoriasis
 being under 5 years old or over 55 years old

Signs and symptoms of a scalp yeast infection

There are several signs and symptoms that might point to a scalp yeast infection. You may experience
one or more of the following:
 red or purple rash, cracks, or patches on the skin
 white, flaky scales or shedding
 areas that appear soft, moist, and white

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  white, pus-filled pimples
Symptoms that Candida has spread beyond the scalp include:
 fatigue
 digestive issues
 urinary tract or genital irritation
 white, painful lesions in the mouth, known as oral thrush
 sinus pain
Other conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. The only definite way to know that your
scalp irritation is an infection caused by Candida is to visit a doctor for a skin lesion KOH exam.

Scalp yeast infection and hair loss

If your scalp yeast infection lasts for a long time, you may accumulate a lot of flakes and dead skin.
Frequently scratching or applying drying chemicals to the affected area can also damage hair follicles.
All these factors could lead to some hair loss. This is especially common in people who
have hypothyroidism. However, if you notice random circular patches that are completely bald, see
your doctor. You may have an infection called tinea capitis. It’s also known as ringworm of the scalp.

Treatment of yeast on scalp

Most scalp yeast infections can be treated with topical over-the-counter (OTC) treatments. These
come in the form of ointments, shampoos, or foams.
Research trusted Source shows that antifungal drugs known as azoles, such as fluconazole (Diflucan),
are very successful, as well as allylamines. Together, these topical antifungals have an 80 to 100
percent success rate in treating Candida.
You can shop online for antifungal ointments, shampoos, and foams. Look for one of these active
ingredients on the label of any medication you purchase:
 ketoconazole
 clotrimazole
 econazole
 oxiconazole
 miconazole
 naftifine
 terbinafine
If the infection hasn’t cleared after using OTC antifungals, ask your pharmacist to help you choose a
cortisone foam. Your doctor can also prescribe a stronger medication, such as nystatin or
amphotericin B.

Home remedies

Some people use natural alternatives to treat a scalp yeast infection. Although they’re gaining
popularity, more research is needed to explore their effectiveness. Here are some home remedies you
can try:
Try diluting apple cider vinegar in equal parts with water to help loosen dead skin and reduce
inflammation. || Shop for apple cider vinegar online.||
Coconut oil is thought to have antifungal properties. Use it on its own, or with 12 drops per 1/4 cup of
essential oil. || Shop for coconut oil online.||
Essential oils may have antimicrobial properties that may help a scalp yeast infection. Add one to a
carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil. Some essential oils to try include tea tree oil, lavender oil,
or lemongrass oil. ||Shop for essential oils online.||

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Is it a yeast infection or seborrheic dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp may give you symptoms that are very similar to a scalp yeast
infection. In its milder form, it’s known as dandruff. In babies, it’s called cradle cap.
Seborrheic dermatitis is marked by chronic inflammation and skin shedding that comes and goes. It’s
usually more strongly associated with oily skin than Candida. The cause is unknown, but other
natural skin yeasts may be to blame.
The treatments for seborrheic dermatitis and a scalp yeast infection are the same. However, seborrheic
dermatitis will keep recurring in most people who have it, while a scalp yeast infection may not.
You can also ask your doctor to perform a skin culture to know exactly what’s causing your
symptoms.
 Preventing scalp yeast infections
 To prevent scalp yeast infections from developing, follow these tips:
 Keep your scalp dry, clean, and cool.
 Practice healthy scalp hygiene.
 Eat and drink a healthy, varied diet.
 Practice moderation with starchy food, sugar, and alcohol.
 Avoid overusing antibiotics and steroids.
 Give your scalp breathing room. Don’t wear caps, hats, hoods, or scarves more than
necessary.
 Takeaway
Scalp yeast infections are relatively common. They’re easy to treat with a variety of OTC antifungals.
Home remedies might work, but more research is needed on their effectiveness.
Early treatment can help get Candida under control and prevent it from spreading to other parts of
your body.

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institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about
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DOI:
10.1016/j.cppeds.2017.11.001
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8. Turner SA, et al. (2014). The Candida pathogenic species complex.
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