Loss of hair anywhere on the head or body is called alopecia. There are several different types of alopecia, some of which are temporary and some of which are permanent. Alopecia as a result of infection can be either temporary or permanent depending on the infection type and the severity of the infection. Common forms of alopecia due to infection are; cicatricial alopecia (scaring alopecia) and alopecia areata.
Tinea capitis
Tinea is a fungal skin infection caused by fungi called dermatophytes. These mold-like fungi thrive in warm humid areas and usually infect as a result of a skin or scalp injury, excessive and prolonged sweating or poor personal hygiene. This infection is extremely contagious and can be picked up by coming in direct contact with a person who has the infection, touching contaminated items, or picked up from infected pets. Tinea capitis is ringworm of the scalp, which is hallmarked by signature ring-like markings. Tinea capitis causes an itchy scalp, pus-filled lesions, red scaly lesions and black dots in the infected areas. Hair loss as a result of this condition is mainly due to shocked hair follicles, which results in patchy hair loss called alopecia areata. This form of hair loss is not permanent and growth is usually restored after the infection is treated. In some cases, the infection is so severe that it causes permanent scaring on the scalp and in the hair follicles, which leads to permanent hair loss.
Folliculitis
Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles caused by bacteria, fungi or viruses that invade damaged hair follicles. Common reasons for follicle damage are excessive sweating, skin injuries, moisture from adhesive tape or plastic dressings and razor burn. There are two forms of folliculitis: superficial folliculitis and deep folliculitis, both of which can be mild or severe. Mild folliculitis generally causes no complications, while severe cases of folliculitis can cause scaring in the follicle, which stunts hair growth and causes cicatricial alopecia (scaring alopecia), which is permanent hair loss.
Seborrhoelic Dermatitus
Seborrhoelic dermatitus is a skin condition that causes inflammation, flaky, white or yellow scales and sometimes reddened skin. People who have this condition mostly get it on the scalp and inside of the ear. Symptoms of this condition include skin lesions, greasy areas of skin, itching, redness and hair loss. Hair loss associated with seborrhoelic dermatitis is caused by inflammation of the hair follicles, which causes the hair to become weak and fall out. In severe cases, seborrhoelic dermatitis can cause secondary infections that may lead to scaring of the follicles and permanent hair loss.
