Piedra

Piedra

Piedra is a fungal hair condition in which clusters of black or white fungi appear on the hair. Black fungi of the species Piedraia hortai are found mainly in tropical countries, and white fungi of the species Trichosporon cutaneum are found in temperate regions. Fungi affect the hair of the head, beard, mustache, and eyebrows. They envelop the hair shaft with a thick sheath, which makes the hair difficult to pull out and breaks. Treatment consists of removing the affected hair and applying antifungal drugs topically and per

Piedra is a fungal hair disease that can lead to serious problems with the health of the scalp. This disease is caused by the presence of fungal colonies on the hair, which can be black or white, depending on the type of fungus.

The black fungus Piedraia hortai is mainly found in tropical countries such as Brazil, India and Sri Lanka, while the white fungus Trichosporon cutaneum is found in temperate regions such as the USA, Europe and Japan. Both types of fungi can affect hair on any part of the body, but most often appear on the scalp.

When there are fungal colonies on the hair, they begin to look like small balls or knots. In the case of black fungi, these colonies are dark in color, while in white fungi they are white or gray. With prolonged progression of the disease, colonies of fungi can become so large that they merge into a single node, which leads to the formation of several nodes on one hair.

Piedra can lead to various scalp health problems, including fragility, split ends, hair loss and deterioration in hair quality. If the condition is not treated, it can continue for many years, leading to complete hair loss.

Various methods can be used to treat piedra, including antifungal ointments and shampoos, oral antibiotics, and hair removal procedures. To prevent this disease, you should avoid using common personal hygiene items, such as combs and hair brushes, and also monitor scalp hygiene.

Additionally, it is worth noting that the word "piedra" can also be used in other contexts, such as in medicine to refer to the metacarpal bone of the hand, or in construction to refer to a small stone or pebble. However, in this context we are talking specifically about fungal hair disease.

Piedra is a fungal hair disease and belongs to the group of mycoses. This lesion is characterized by the formation of characteristic clusters, which are black or white fungi. Black mushrooms (species P. hortai) are mainly present in tropical climates, while porcini mushrooms (Trichosporom cutaneom) are characteristic of temperate climates.

Although rarely used on their own, combining these types of mushrooms can lead to serious problems. They can cause acute infections, scalp damage, and even cerebral infarction.

Piedra occurs most often in men, approximately 3-5 times more often than in women. It is also more common among people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV. However, healthy people can also become infected, especially those who have contact with contaminated material or are in areas of high risk of infection, such as professional athletes or wrestlers. Fungi are especially vulnerable to high temperatures and humidity.

Symptoms of piedra can range from mild to severe. A characteristic sign is the formation of hard pillars consisting of black and white fungus on the scalp at the roots of the hair. These formations are known as "pruetts" or "costa gilli" and can range in size from a few millimeters to three centimeters. Sometimes piedra can present as peeling, itching, pain, and other symptoms including severe headache, nausea, and fever. Without treatment, piedra can progress to affect other parts of the body, such as the skin and nails. In severe cases, the fungus reaches the human heart and causes cerebral infarctions and death.

To diagnose piedra, microscopic examination of a smear from the surface of the pruett is usually used. A microscopic analysis of the scalp is also performed to check for the presence of certain types of dermatophytes. If you have symptoms of piedra, you should not delay consulting your doctor. Timely treatment can often help avoid complications and restore health.

Treatment for piedra depends on the individual case. Some forms of piedra can be treated with traditional antifungal drugs such as itraconazole and fluconazole. However, many clinical studies have shown that these medications have limited success. Doctors recommend their patients to lead a healthy lifestyle, including taking vitamins and minerals, following a diet to strengthen the immune system, it is also important to use natural remedies: compresses, oils, masks, shampoos and conditioners based on herbal ingredients and natural ingredients.

People suffering from pieda are more prone to other fungal diseases.