Saturday, 3 October 2015

Hair and Skin diseases (Contagious/Non-Contagious)

Non-Contagious/Contagious Hair and Skin Diseases

As a Make-up and Hair design student I need to know when for example working with a client what signs to look out for in skin and hair. This is very important to know what is contagious and what is not as I could inform the client but also if I am aware know how to deal with the situation when working with them. In this blog I have researched contagious and non-contagious skin and hair diseases to make myself more aware of them and which one to look out for when working. I know there are many more then what I have written but this blog is to show a couple that could be possible to see when in this line of work.

CONTAGIOUS HAIR DISEASES:



TINEA CAPITIS (or SCALP RINGWORM):

What is Tinea Capitis?- It is an infection in the scalp hair with a type of fungus which is a tiny microscopic organism that lives on the dead tissue of the hair, nails and outer skin. It is a contagious disease that thrives in crowded living conditions and warm/damp environments therefore can be caught through hair brushing, clothing, towels and seats. When looking out for symptoms look for itching on the scalp, redness, scaling of the scalp (like dandruff) and can cause hair loss or balding in the infected areas. If the disease has become more severe it can cause swelling or even pus but in children can cause swelling glands.

PEDICULUS CAPITIS (HEAD-LICE):
What is Pediculus Capitis?- Head lice are small wingless insects that live in the scalp by sucking blood. They lay eggs in the hair which looks like tiny white specks (nits) and lay glued to the base of the hairs. The symptoms of Pediculus Capitis to look for are causes of itching on the scalp which can be checked base looking at the base of the scalp or an infestation can be marked by tiny red spots. It can be caused by close hair to hair contact as they can walk from one hair strained to the other.

NON-CONTAGIOUS HAIR DISEASES:


ALOPECIA (HAIR LOSS):
What is Alopecia (hair Loss)?- It is a general term for hair loss and it causes patches of baldness about the size of  large coin. Not only can it occur on the scalp but on any part of the body with hair it is mainly found in teenagers and young adults. In most cases the hair can grow back but more fine/white then return to its natural colour later on but sometime it can develop a more severe form of hair loss e.g. alopecia totalis (no scalp hair) or alopecia universalis (no hair on the scalp and body).  

DANDRUFF:
What is Dandruff?- It is a common skin condition that causes flakes of dead skin to appear on the scalp or hair. The causes of dandruff is the body continually shedding dead skin cells as the new cells are formed, it mainly can be un-noticed. However, the process can speed up, producing excessive amounts of dead skin cells which equals to dandruff happening.

CONTAGIOUS SKIN DISEASES:


SCABIES:
What is Scabies?- It is a contagious skin condition that is caused by small mites burrowing into the skin, they feed using their mouths and front legs to burrow into the outer layer of the skin where they lay their eggs. After three/four days they can hatch and move into the surface of the skin and they like warm places e.g. between the fingers, skin folds etc. The main symptom to watch out for in scabies is intense itching (which can increase at night) and lots of skin rashes where they burrow.   

IMPETIGO:
What is Impetigo?- Its is a highly contagious skin infection that cause sores and blisters to the skin. The disease is caused by bacteria infecting the outer layers of skin which can happen in two ways e.g. it can infect the skin through cuts, insect bites or other injury and also through other skin damaged such as scabies or eczema. It may also leave behind red marks when the crust has cleared up, however can clear up over weeks.


NON-CONTAGIOUS SKIN DISEASES:


ACNE:
What is Acne?- It is a very common skin condition that affects a lot of people and is the cause of spots to develop onto the skin. The spots can range from blackheads, whiteheads which are very mild but on the other hand they can become deep, inflamed, pus-filled and cysts which can be scarring/long-lasting.


URTICARIA (HIVES):
What is Urticaria (Hives)?- It is a raised, itchy rash that appears on the skin, the rash can found on any part of the body. The affected area of skin will usually settle within a couple of days therefore is known as acute Urticaria but the rash can sometimes persist or come and go within six weeks, often over year then this is known as chronic Urticaria.  


By Amelia Richmond-Knight




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