White piedra is a fungal infection that affects the outer layer of the skin and can also infiltrate the gastrointestinal tract. It can be caused by various fungi and is found in semitropical and temperate climates. The infection can be mistaken for lice infestation and is usually treated by shaving the affected area and applying antifungal medication. Sharing hair accessories is a common way of spreading the infection.
Piedra white, also known as nodular trichomycosis, is an infection caused by the restriction of pathogens to the stratum corneum, the outer layer of the skin. This fungus infiltrates not only the skin but also the gastrointestinal tract. It can be caused by some types of naturally occurring fungi.
Piedra comes from the Spanish word meaning stone. There are two different forms of piedra: black and white. Black piedra is usually found in tropical climates, while white piedra is found in more semitropical and temperate climates. This infection can be caused by one of many fungi of the genus Trichosporon and can also be caused by Acremonium sp.
Due to the climate, the white piedra grows in the fungus is found in lake water, soil and plants. For this reason, many humans contract this fungus from animal hair and vegetable oil. Vegetable oil fungus usually occurs in Brazil because native Brazilians are known to use their own human hair to grow plants.
The bumps or nodules caused by this type of piedra can vary in color. They can appear anywhere from white to tan. The fungus can attach itself to any hair from your head to your toes. When examined, the nodules may feel gritty and the area may look red with irritation. This type of piedra can make your hair very brittle.
There is a possibility that this infection could be mistaken for a lice infestation, but it cannot be treated in the same way. It usually produces lightly boiled reddish patches in the groin or armpit area. If it is one of the more serious cases, you will need to see a doctor. The most common way of spreading this infection is by sharing hair accessories. If the infection is in the genital area, this is a sign of another infection called corynebacteria and is likely to be spread by sexual contact.
This type of piedra is sometimes confused with tinea capitis and axillary trichomycosis, both fungal infections. If a doctor suspects a patient has piedra, they will take a sample of the hair shaft and run diagnostic tests on it. Most of the time, piedra white can be treated by shaving the area and applying antifungal medication. Topical or oral medications may be used, depending on the location of the fungal infection.
There may only be two variations of piedra, black and white, but both can become serious problems. If the condition is suspected, it is advisable to have your symptoms evaluated by a doctor. This infection can attach itself to any hair follicle on a human or animal. The white piedra has no age, race, or gender preferences; it will stick to whatever it can.
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