A skin fungus that can spread through poorly disinfected combs or towels in “dirty” hair salons could cause permanent hair loss, dermatologists have warned.
Cases of ringworm, which is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, are said to be on the rise, according to recent reports from UK barbers who say they have seen telltale signs on clients’ heads.
Barbers believe the rise is due to more men opting for popular skin-bleaching haircuts (when the sides are shaved and the length is left on top) in “cheap, dirty and unqualified” shops. who use dirty tools to cut hair.
Common signs of fungal infection include itching, a ring-shaped scaly area, and scattered bumps that vary in color from red on white skin to reddish, brown, or gray on black skin.
But now experts have warned about another, lesser-known symptom of the infection: hair loss, caused by infected hairs that are brittle and break easily.
One dermatologist who has warned about the problem is London-based Dr Emma Amoafo.
“Sometimes the infection can progress to a painful marshy swelling, called kerion tinea capitis,” he told his 21,000 tiktok followers.
‘Tinea capitis should usually be treated with oral medication, creams are not effective.
“And it is important that the treatment starts on time, because otherwise the hair loss can turn into a scar and then it can be permanent.”
He also warned that tinea capitis can be transmitted between humans and animals, recommending: “So if someone in your household is diagnosed with tinea capitis, check that your contacts don’t have it too.”
The condition should be treated with oral antifungal medications, which are available with a prescription, and antifungal shampoo, which can be obtained without a prescription from a pharmacy.
hair expert
Experts urge people to avoid sharing hairbrushes, combs, hats, towels, and pillowcases with others if they have a ringworm infection.
Because fungus can live on hair brushes and accessories, doctors recommend cleaning these items or buying new ones to avoid re-infection, and avoid visiting hairdressers or barbers until the infection is gone.
Mike Taylor, who runs a barber training academy in Poole, Dorset, said he had seen “loads of cases” recently.
The barber, who has worked in the sector for 34 years, he told the BBC He believes cheaper stores don’t keep their equipment clean.
In addition to causing itching and red spots on the skin of the scalp, in some cases the fungus can cause bald spots, since the infected hairs are brittle and break easily.
Mike Taylor, who runs a barber training academy in Poole, Dorset, said he had seen “a lot of cases” recently.
He said: “I would say 70 to 80 per cent of clients come in asking for skin bleaching.”
“To achieve that effect you have to use the hair clipper, but the problem is that it traps the hair and you have to clean it thoroughly.”
He added: “The high street is running out, it’s dying and suddenly there are 12 barbershops on the same street and they’re all trying to be a bit cheaper than each other.”
‘If prices have to be lowered, then something else has to go and maybe it’s all the time spent cleaning the equipment or the time spent acquiring the right knowledge.
“Sometimes the cheapest price is not always the best price.”