Typically, yeast in your intestines, mouth, or skin isn’t a problem. But too much yeast, including yeast on the scalp, can lead to an infection.
When you think of yeast infections, you might imagine vaginal issues. But men can get them too. And they can even affect your scalp!
A scalp fungal infection results from fungi, like yeast or ringworm (tinea capitis). A yeast infection specifically involves an overgrowth of yeast, like Malassezia or Candida. Candida albicans is the most common culprit, responsible for about 70 percent of fungal infections worldwide.
Typically, yeast in your intestines, mouth, or skin isn’t a problem. But too much yeast, including yeast on the scalp, can lead to an infection.
Yeast infections thrive in moist areas with poor airflow, which can include your scalp.
Since yeast is almost always present on the skin, you typically won’t know it’s there unless it builds up and causes symptoms of an infection.
Some signs of yeast infection on scalp can include:
Itching and irritation. One of the most common symptoms is persistent, intense itchiness, which can trigger you to scratch, worsening irritation.
Redness and inflammation. You might notice visible redness or patchy inflammation on the scalp.
Flaky, scaly skin. Dandruff-like flakes can range from mild to severe.
Oily or greasy appearance. Fungal infections can cause excessive oiliness, especially if the infection is caused by Malassezia.
Hair loss or thinning. In severe cases, inflammation can affect your hair follicles, leading to hair thinning or temporary hair loss.
Soreness or sensitivity. Your scalp may feel sore when you touch it.
Pustules or pimple-like bumps. Small red or white bumps may form, resembling acne.
In some cases, chronic yeast infections on the scalp can spread to other areas. If this happens, you may notice:
Itchy, red rashes, particularly in warm, moist areas like your groin or armpits
White patches in your mouth or throat (AKA oral thrush)
Peeling or cracked skin in areas prone to friction or moisture
Thickened, discolored (often yellow) nails
Digestive issues like bloating, gas, or changes in your bathroom habits
Ongoing fatigue for no apparent reason, as yeast overgrowth can sometimes impact energy levels
Recurring genital or urinary symptoms, such as itching, burning, or unusual discharge
Increased body odor that may not improve with hygiene
Yeast infections thrive when conditions are just right. Think excess oil, poor hygiene, or a weakened immune system.
Candida infections often show up in warm, moist areas, like your scalp.
But it’s not just about warmth and moisture. Sometimes, your scalp’s natural pH balance shifts, making it easier for yeast to grow. This can happen due to various medical or lifestyle factors.
The following medical conditions can make you more likely to develop a scalp yeast infection:
Diabetes. High blood sugar levels from poorly-controlled diabetes can encourage yeast growth, since yeast feeds on sugar.
Immune disorders. Conditions like HIV/AIDS and autoimmune diseases can weaken your body’s defenses. This makes it harder to control yeast levels, leading to overgrowth.
Hormonal imbalances. Changes in hormone levels, like during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, can affect skin oil production, creating a yeast-friendly environment.
Hypothyroidism. An underactive thyroid can contribute to dry, flaky skin on the scalp due to reduced oil production, weakening your scalp’s natural protective barrier. Slower metabolism and a weaker immune response, can also create an environment where yeast is more likely to overgrow and cause infection.
Hyperhidrosis. Excessive sweating creates a moist environment on the scalp, which can promote yeast overgrowth.
If your scalp isn’t healthy, it can become the perfect breeding ground for yeast. Conditions that may affect scalp health include:
Intertrigo. A skin condition where friction, moisture, and heat in skin folds causes irritation, redness, and inflammation. This can encourage yeast overgrowth.
Psoriasis. A chronic inflammatory autoimmune condition that causes a rapid buildup of skin cells, leading to red, scaly patches. It’s common on the scalp, elbows, and knees.
Follicular occlusion syndrome. This condition occurs when the hair protein keratin blocks hair follicles. The blockage causes follicles to rupture and become inflamed, increasing your scalp yeast infection risk.
Seborrheic dermatitis. A common skin condition that can cause flaky, oily patches on the scalp. This environment can easily lead to yeast overgrowth and infection.
Did you know that a poor diet can impact your scalp health? The following dietary habits can also increase your risk of yeast infections:
High added sugar intake. Diets rich in refined sugars and ultra-processed foods can fuel yeast growth, as yeast thrives on sugar.
Lack of nutrient-rich foods. A diet low in essential vitamins and minerals (like zinc, biotin, and omega-3 fatty acids) can weaken skin health and immune function, making your scalp more vulnerable to yeast overgrowth.
Excessive alcohol consumption. Alcohol can alter your gut microbiome and increase blood sugar, potentially contributing to yeast overgrowth on the scalp and elsewhere.
High stress levels can also impact your overall health, creating conditions ideal for yeast overgrowth. Here’s how stress can impact the body:
Weakened immune response. Chronic stress can suppress your immune system response, making it harder for your body to keep yeast in check.
Increased oil production. Stress may increase scalp oiliness, creating an environment where yeast can thrive.
Hormonal changes. Stress influences hormone levels, potentially leading to scalp imbalances and yeast overgrowth.
The following medications can increase your risk of developing yeast infections:
Antibiotics. Antibiotics don’t just kill harmful bacteria. They also impact levels of good bacteria, disrupting your body’s natural balance, which can allow yeast to grow unchecked.
Corticosteroids. Long-term use of corticosteroids, whether oral or topical, can weaken your immune system and increase your chances of developing a yeast infection.
Hormonal medications. Birth control pills and hormone therapy can affect hormone balance, potentially influencing scalp health.
The following products can impact your skin health, potentially leaving you vulnerable to infection:
Sulfates and alcohol-based products. These ingredients can strip your scalp of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation that compromises your protective skin barrier.
Fragrances and preservatives. Certain chemicals and fragrances in shampoos, conditioners, or styling products can trigger inflammation and irritation, potentially leading to yeast overgrowth.
Frequent use of dry shampoo. Overuse of dry shampoo can cause residue build up on your scalp. Plus, dry shampoo doesn’t clean your hair or scalp.
Several factors can increase your likelihood of developing a scalp yeast infection:
Having a weakened immune system. HIV/AIDS, cancer, and autoimmune diseases can weaken your body’s defenses, making it harder to manage yeast growth.
Certain life stages. Pregnant or menopausal people, people going through puberty, and those under 5 years old or over 55 years old may be more likely to have weakened immune systems or other health conditions that put them at risk for yeast infections.
Underlying medical conditions. Having uncontrolled diabetes, hypothyroidism, or hormonal imbalances can weaken natural barriers against yeast.
Low nutritional quality. Eating a diet high in added sugars, refined carbs, and alcohol can make you more susceptible to yeast overgrowth. Additionally, not getting enough nutrients like zinc or omega-3 fatty acids may negatively affect your scalp health, making infections more likely.
Excessive stress. Stressors naturally crop up from time to time, but when stress is out of control, it can suppress immune function and increase scalp oiliness, creating a favorable environment for yeast.
Medications. Certain medications like hormone therapies, corticosteroids, immunosuppressant drugs, and broad-spectrum antibiotics, can disrupt the microbial balance, weaken the immune system, and alter scalp oil production, increasing the risk of overgrowth.
Harsh personal care products. Sulfates and artificial fragrances in shampoos, conditioners, and other scalp products can disrupt your scalp’s natural protective barrier. Frequently using leave-in products can leave behind residue, providing a nutrient source for yeast.
Wondering if your scalp issues are due to a scalp yeast infection? The symptoms can mimic other conditions, so the best way to find out is by getting a skin exam from your healthcare provider. Here’s that might involve:
Physical scalp exam. Your provider will closely examine your scalp and look for things like unusual redness, scaling, itchiness, and flakiness. They may also ask you about your symptoms, medical history, and personal risk factors.
Microscopic analysis. Your provider may take a small sample of skin (biopsy) or scalp scraping and examine it under a microscope. They can also perform a KOH exam, which involves adding a potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution to the sample to dissolve skin cells and check for yeast cells.
Culture test. In some cases, your provider may send the sample to a lab for a fungal culture to confirm the presence of yeast and even identify the specific type.
Wood’s lamp examination. A Wood’s lamp emits ultraviolet light that may help highlight certain types of fungal infections on the scalp. Your provider might do this if they suspect your symptoms aren’t the result of yeast overgrowth.
Once you have a diagnosis, your healthcare provider can work with you to find an appropriate treatment option.
Successfully treating a scalp yeast infection requires targeting the yeast overgrowth, addressing symptoms, and restoring your scalp health.
So, how to treat a yeast infection on scalp?
Your yeast infection on scalp treatment options, include:
Over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription antifungal shampoos with ingredients like ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione can help reduce yeast on your scalp.
You typically apply these a few times a week, leaving them on for several minutes and then rinsing them out thoroughly.
If you have a more challenging infection, your provider may prescribe a topical antifungal cream, lotions, ointments, or foam (e.g., clotrimazole, miconazole).
You apply these directly to affected areas on your scalp to slow and prevent further yeast growth.
If you have severe or recurrent scalp yeast infections that don’t respond to other treatments, your provider may prescribe oral antifungals like fluconazole or itraconazole.
These target yeast throughout your entire body.
Taking good care of your scalp skin and hair is an essential step to preventing scalp yeast infections.
Washing regularly with a mild, sulfate-free shampoo can help prevent residue buildup that could feed yeast and promote its growth.
Try scalp massage and gentle exfoliation to remove flaky skin and residue.
And avoid products that contain harsh chemicals or heavy fragrances that can worsen irritation.
Diets high in added sugar and refined carbohydrates — like ultra-processed snack foods, and sugary sodas — can feed yeast, especially if you’re not eating many nutrient-dense foods.
Healthy lifestyle habits like regular exercise and relaxing hobbies may also help support immune health and prevent yeast overgrowth.
Probiotics are friendly microbes (germs) that support digestive health, overall health, and your skin’s microbiome.
A healthy microbial balance may help lower the risk of recurrent yeast infections.
You can get probiotics in supplement form or from fermented foods like:
Tempeh
Miso
Kimchi
Kefir
Sauerkraut
While these natural remedies for scalp yeast infection might not have tons of research backing them up, many people swear by them.
Apple cider vinegar, diluted with equal parts with water may help loosen dead skin and reduce scalp inflammation.
Coconut oil may have some antifungal properties.
Essential oils like lemongrass, lavender, oregano, or tea tree oil may have antimicrobial properties that may help a scalp yeast infection.
If you’re dealing with a yeast infection on your scalp, acting quickly is key. Prompt treatment can prevent chronic recurrences, spreading to other areas, and serious complications like hair loss and secondary infections.
Treatment can take a few weeks and requires sticking to your prescribed plan. Sometimes, you may need a combination of treatments to get rid of an infection.
If your symptoms don’t improve or worsen, consult your healthcare provider. You might need a different treatment option.
While you can’t always prevent a scalp yeast infection, you can minimize your risk. Try these tips to keep your scalp healthy:
Wash your hair regularly using a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to prevent oil and residue buildup, which can promote yeast growth.
Avoid over-washing, as it can dry out your scalp, disrupting its natural pH balance. Additionally, let your scalp breathe — don’t wear hats or head coverings more than you need to.
If you’re prone to scalp yeast infections, try using an antifungal shampoo once a week to help control yeast on your scalp.
Look for ingredients like ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or shampoos with zinc pyrithione.
Steer clear of hair products with strong smells or that contain alcohol or sulfates, as these can irritate your scalp and disrupt its natural protective barrier.
Instead, choose gentle, pH-balanced products to support scalp health.
Limit added sugar and ultra-processed foods, which can encourage yeast growth. Eating a diet rich in whole and minimally processed foods, including vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats, supports a balanced immune system and scalp health.
Chronic stress doesn’t directly cause yeast infections, but it can weaken your immune defenses and contribute to hormonal changes that affect scalp oil production.
Try incorporating stress management strategies like staying active, meditating, spending time in nature, and engaging with your community.
Exercise, get at least seven to eight hours of quality sleep, and eat enough fiber from plant foods promote a balanced gut microbiome. Plus, avoid unnecessary exposure to viruses that can impact your immune health.
A strong immune system helps control yeast and reduces the risk of overgrowth.
Only use antibiotics when necessary and as prescribed. Unnecessary use can disrupt your microbial balance, making it easier for yeast to thrive.
Yeast thrives in warm, moist environments. If you’re prone to yeast infections, try to keep your scalp dry and avoid prolonged use of hats or head coverings, especially when it’s hot or humid outside. Dry your hair thoroughly after washing or allow it to air dry.
Interested in learning more about scalp yeast infections and how to maintain a healthy scalp? Check out our detailed guides on scalp fungus causes and treatments and scalp care for men.
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