Remedies for Scalp infections

Come winter and there is an increase in body infections. Trichologist Dr Shahid Shamsher talks about three basic precautions to help prevent scalp infections from developing during this season.

Don’t keep touching your head.

Some people have an itchy scalp or get small pimples on the head, making them want to scratch it again and again. Others feel like constantly fingercombing their hair. Most of us perform these actions automatically, but our hands are a source of bacteria and viruses. For example, when you hold a pen, touch a keyboard or shake hands with someone, your hands get contaminated. Each time you touch your head, you transfer that contamination to the scalp. We wash our hands several times a day. But how often do we wash our heads?

Don’t share certain things.

Combs, pillow covers, helmets and hair bands are objects that have contact with your scalp. If they are contaminated, they easily transfer the infection to your scalp. This is especially true of people who stay in the same house. Frequent travellers face a similar problem. Even the best hotels fall short on hygienic. There was a sting operation carried out by a popular news channel that showed high amounts of fungal growth on pillow covers and beddings at some top-notch hotels in India.

Stay hygienic

Because of the cold weather, many people stop washing their heads. This is especially true of those who need to leave their homes early in the morning. While it’s understandable that there are genuine concerns about catching a cold in this weather, some level of hygiene has to be maintained. Last week, I met a patient who preferred to wash his head once a month. This is totally unhygienic. Washing the scalp at a different time of day.