White piedra
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| White piedra | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | White or light brown nodules on hair shafts |
| Complications | Hair breakage |
| Onset | Any age |
| Duration | Chronic if untreated |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Trichosporon species |
| Risks | Poor hygiene, humid environments |
| Diagnosis | Clinical examination, microscopy |
| Differential diagnosis | Black piedra, head lice, dandruff |
| Prevention | Good personal hygiene, avoiding sharing hair care items |
| Treatment | Shaving affected hair, antifungal medications |
| Medication | Topical antifungal agents |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
A fungal infection affecting hair
White piedra is a superficial fungal infection of the hair shaft caused by fungi of the genus Trichosporon. It is characterized by the presence of soft, white nodules on the hair shafts of the scalp, beard, mustache, and other body hair.
Etiology[edit | edit source]
White piedra is primarily caused by the yeast-like fungi Trichosporon ovoides and Trichosporon inkin. These fungi are part of the normal flora of the human skin and can become pathogenic under certain conditions.
Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]
Patients with white piedra typically present with:
- White or light-colored nodules on the hair shaft
- Nodules that are soft and easily detached
- Possible hair breakage
The infection is usually asymptomatic, but some patients may experience mild itching.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosis of white piedra is primarily clinical, based on the appearance of the nodules. However, confirmation can be achieved through:
- Microscopic examination of the hair shaft
- Culture of the fungi
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment options for white piedra include:
- Shaving or cutting the affected hair
- Topical antifungal agents such as ketoconazole or clotrimazole
- Oral antifungal medications in severe cases
Prevention[edit | edit source]
Preventive measures include maintaining good personal hygiene and avoiding sharing personal items such as combs and hats.
See also[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
