White piedra – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

White piedra is an uncommon fungal infection of the hair shaft. The infection is caused by a yeast-like fungus called Trichosporon.

Two types of fungus can cause white piedra, namely Trichosporon inkin (T. inkin) and Trichosporon ovoides (T. ovoides). White piedra isn’t usually contagious. The infection can occur in people from any age group and in both sexes.

Known side effects of white piedra

The main side effect of white piedra is white or tan gelatinous and pearly nodules that surround the hair shaft. The nodules can usually be found in facial hair and body hair (e.g., in beards and mustaches, on eyebrows and eyelashes, and in the armpit and pubic hair). The nodules are at least one millimeter (mm) or bigger in diameter, and they’re usually easy to remove.

The other side effects of white piedra usually include:

• Brittle, broken hair
• Hair that feels gritty
• Pain or itching

Risk factors for white piedra may include:

• Gender – Young men, are often at risk of developing the infection.
• Location – Reported cases of the condition often take place in humid-to-temperate climates. In the U.S., most incidences occur in the South. However, some cases have also been documented in the Northeast.

Body systems harmed by white piedra

White piedra may cause the following complications:

• Brittle hair
• Hair loss
• Pruritic (itchy/a burning sensation) or necrotic (made up of dead tissue) nodules or papules – This is common in immunosuppressed patients (those who have HIV or are undergoing chemotherapy). This complication is linked to severe itching and discomfort.

Food items or nutrients that may prevent white piedra

The following foods or nutrients can help prevent white piedra or address its side effects:

1. Coconut – Coconut is an anti-microbial food that’s also rich in lauric acid and caprylic acid.
2. Garlic – Garlic is a superfood that has potassium and vitamin B6. Additionally, it can detoxify the body and improve immunity.
3. Onions – Onions are good for your heart and liver, and they can help fight fungal infection. Onions are full of immune-boosting properties, and they contain antioxidants, potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C.
4. Oregano – Oregano is nutritious, and it contains antioxidants. Oregano can also boost the immune system.

Treatments, management plans for white piedra

The main treatment for white piedra is shaving off all infected hair, which can help get rid of the fungus.

Other treatment options for the condition include:

• Antifungal creams
• Oral antifungal medications
• Shampoos

Natural remedies for white piedra include:

• Apple cider vinegar (ACV) – ACV has antioxidants and antifungal properties that can help treat a fungal infection. Combine a cup of ACV with four cups of water. Apply the solution before shampooing your hair and repeat the remedy twice or thrice a week.
• Lemon – Lemon also has antifungal properties that can help address fungal infections in your hair and scalp. Add three to four tablespoons of lemon juice to a cup of lukewarm water. Rinse your hair with this solution and wash it off with cool water. Apply the remedy once a week.

Where to learn more

• Can hair loss be reversed through nutrition or other natural health methods?
• Castor oil is great for thickening and regrowing hair, eyelashes and eyebrows
• How To Fight Hair Loss With Onion Juice?
• Thinning Hair in Women: Warning Sign of Underlying Health Issues
• What to eat for thicker hair: These 10 foods will nourish your locks

Summary

White piedra is an uncommon fungal infection of the hair shaft.

The main side effect of white piedra is white or tan gelatinous and pearly nodules that surround the hair shaft.

White piedra may cause complications like brittle hair, hair loss, and pruritic or necrotic nodules or papules.

Coconut, garlic, onions, and oregano can help prevent white piedra or address its side effects.

The primary treatment for white piedra is shaving off all infected hair, which can help get rid of the fungus. Other treatment options for the condition include antifungal creams, oral antifungal medications, or shampoos.

Natural remedies for white piedra include apple cider vinegar or lemon.

Sources include:

Healthline.com

OneGreenPlanet.org

Khoobsurati.com