Pediatric dermatologists warn that hair-cutting tools used in barbershops, popular among mostly young adults, may spread fungus that can lead to scalp inflammation, hair loss, pain and pus.
“Tinea capitis is a skin infection of the scalp caused by a fungus called dermatophytes that is spread by animals and from person to person. There is currently an increase in the number of patients infected with this virus, and these people often Hair is cut very short using a hairdressing machine in barbershops and hairdressers,” he told the National University of Science News Service María Jimena Martínez of Quilmes, a specialist in pediatric dermatology.
Recently, the Argentine Pediatric Society issued a statement in which it highlighted that, over two years, there has been a significant increase in ringworm cases among children and adolescents who use fades or shaved haircuts, which they often associate with shaving or shaving their hair. . Creation of decorative figures. “This condition has also been reported in other countries, with its highest frequency found to be associated with children and adolescents’ habit of frequent (weekly or bi-weekly) hair salon visits for shaves and ‘fashionable’ hairstyles, similar to those of athletes or singers. International,” states the statement Detailed description.
silent enemy
Tinea capitis is a highly contagious disease that mainly affects children between 6 months and 12 years old, with a slight predominance of males. Three types of dermatophytes can be distinguished based on the mode of transmission of the pathogenic fungi: anthropophilic, which usually cause non-inflammatory clinical forms; zoophilic, which usually cause inflammation; and geophilic, which cause moderate inflammation. Signs of infection include erythema, scaling, hair loss or loss, itching, pain, and pus.
Along these lines, identifying affected patients is critical to limiting contagion, which occurs due to contact of fungal spores with the patient’s scalp and hair follicles. However, clinical diagnosis is not always straightforward, especially when it comes to discrete ringworm or ringworm that may be confused with other skin conditions.
“The increase in cases may be due to salon customers sharing contaminated shaving materials without considering adequate disinfection standards after use,” Martinez said.
These fashion styles also have huge fans among sporting icons like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, but they require constant use of a motor. They feature contrasting shaved sides and a longer top. The cutting technique, which shaves from the bottom up, is suitable for areas where ringworm seems to be rampant: the nape and temporal areas.
Ringworm can cause hair loss, which is a cause for alarm. However, it should be noted that there are treatments available to combat this infection. In this sense, the dermatologist emphasizes: “Treatment takes longer and oral antifungals must be used, that is, tablets must be taken, since the ointments do not reach the hair follicles sufficiently to fight the infection.”
It’s better to take precautions
In a conversation with the University of Queensland institution, Martinez suggested that, first of all, if you have such an infection, you should inform the hairdresser you go to so that they can take appropriate hygiene measures and not go back until you are cured, so To prevent the infection from continuing to spread. “Then, to avoid re-infection, you have to make sure that the place you go to is properly cleaning the elements they use for cutting and shaving; sharp parts such as blades are discarded, and disinfectants or sanitizers are used on hairdressers.”