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Symptoms
Yeast naturally live on your skin without causing problems.
However, an overgrowth of fungal organisms can cause a skin infection.
Yeast affecting the scalp cause an itchy rash.
Sirinate Kaewma / EyeEm / Getty Images
The symptoms include:
Symptom Confusion
Several scalp conditions may produce similar symptoms.
When the natural balance is disrupted, Malassezia can overgrow.
Overgrowth of Malassezia causesfolliculitis(inflamed follicles) andseborrheic dermatitis.
Seborrheic dermatitis causes thick, white scales in infants (cradle cap).
Adults with seborrheic dermatitis have dandruff and red, itchy patches of scaling skin.
If your healthcare provider is unsure of the cause, you may need additional lab tests.
Rarely, they may take a smallbiopsy(sample of tissue from the affected area).
Viewing the tissue under a microscopic allows your healthcare provider to determine whether it’s yeast and which kind.
Sometimes topical (on the skin) corticosteroids are used for severe scalp inflammation.
Your healthcare provider may recommend an over-the-counter or prescription corticosteroid shampoo.
In many cases, you will use alternative a corticosteroid shampoo with one containing ketoconazole.
Though seborrheic dermatitis often clears up in children, it can become a chronic problem for adults.
As a result, Malassezia can overgrow and cause irritation.
Several types of over-the-counter antifungal shampoos and prescription medications can be used to treat yeast infections.
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