How to Get Rid of Yeast (Candida) on Scalp

Yeast can show up anywhere on your body that is prone to moisture. Some of the most common places are the feet, nails, and the scalp. The type of yeast that grows on the scalp and causes infection is called Candida. There are different types of candida. But, an infection of the scalp caused by candida is called tinea capitis. It can be challenging to get rid of a buildup of yeast, but there is a wide choice of treatments available.

The scalp can face many different skin conditions. If you find yourself scratching and you have flaky skin falling, it’s important to know the cause. It could be something like psoriasis or eczema. But, if it’s an overgrowth of candida, it needs to be treated the right way.

The good news is that candida is a natural bacteria created by the body. It doesn’t cause any harm or damage to your skin when it’s balanced out within your system. It occurs when too much of the bacteria build up on your scalp.

Candida is a systemic type of yeast. If it isn’t treated, it can affect many different areas of the body and even cause severe ailments and illnesses. So, it’s important to recognize the symptoms and start a treatment plan.

What Are the Causes of Candida?

Most of the time, the amount of yeast your body naturally produces is perfectly healthy. But, when your body’s pH balance gets thrown off, too much of that yeast can grow and combine with bacteria. That’s when candida occurs. Most factors that cause an overgrowth of yeast on your scalp have to do with your lifestyle.

Some of the most common causes include:

• A weakened immune system
• A diet high in sugar
• Consistent use of certain medications
• Excessive stress

All these causes can create perfect environments for the yeast to grow and thrive. For example, stress increases inflammation within our bodies. That weakens the immune system and makes it easier for an overgrowth of yeast to occur. It can grow in your GI tract, vaginally, or anywhere where your skin is moist. Eventually, though, this growth can go to the scalp and cause irritation, inflammation, and itching.

These aren’t the only reasons why too much yeast grows on the scalp. But, they are some of the leading culprits. If you’re experiencing scalp issues and you find yourself relating to any of the above causes, the two could be related. But, it isn’t enough to just assume you have an overgrowth of yeast infecting your scalp. Making sure that you’re treating the right condition is essential in getting rid of it for good.

Symptoms of Yeast Overgrowth on the Scalp

The biggest problem with yeast overgrowth on the scalp is that it can cause a fungal infection. This kind of buildup can cause your skin to become itchy. It may even fall off in large flakes and chunks.

Fungal infections won’t go away on their own, so they need to be treated properly. But, if you have an overgrowth of yeast on your scalp, you might have it elsewhere in your body too.

Check out these underlying symptoms that can suggest you have an overgrowth problem:

• Fungal infections of the skin and nails
• Cravings for process carbohydrates
• Skin issues like acne
• Poor concentration
• Itchiness of the skin

If the infection keeps coming back, even after you’ve treated it, it’s likely that you have systemic candida. Then, it can affect your scalp and the rest of your body. You might feel more symptoms like chronic fatigue.

Again, an overproduction of candida can affect your body inside and out. Recognizing these symptoms and how they can work against you is the first step in getting rid of the problem. Let’s take a look at a few different ways you can treat candida. You can start by treating it from the inside out. If it’s affecting your scalp, you can also use certain topical treatments to keep it under control and get rid of a fungal infection of the scalp.

Candida Overgrowth and Hair Loss

Besides the symptoms listed above, candida overgrowth can contribute to hair loss. A scalp fungus like this can be mistaken for other things, including dandruff or psoriasis. But, it can be much more severe because it can cause hair loss in a couple of different ways.

First, too much yeast on the scalp will cause it to become itchy. Unfortunately, the more you scratch at your scalp, the higher your risk of hair loss. You could be breaking and pulling hairs out each time you scratch at your skin. If you damage your skin, the hair follicles could become clogged with dirt and debris, making it even harder for new hair to grow.

A fungus can also cause hair loss in more significant patches. It can cause the fibers of your hair to break off, falling out easier than they usually would.

Finally, Candida can affect the body’s hormones if it is systemic. When your hormones are out of whack, it can cause hypothyroidism. This can lead to lower blood circulation throughout the body. This includes circulation to your scalp and hair follicles. Sometimes, thyroid medication is needed in extreme cases of candida to balance things out. If your hair follicles aren’t getting enough blood flow, they can’t work correctly. Not only can it cause you to lose hair, but it can prevent new, healthy hair from growing.

Candida and Malassezia

Different types of yeasts can affect the body. Candida and yeast called Malassezia are often closely related because they can both affect the scalp. Malassezia is naturally found in the oil secretion of the skin. It is believed to be one of the causes of seborrheic dermatitis.

So, how is seborrheic dermatitis different from an overgrowth of candida? The symptoms include patches of greasy skin. These patches will usually be covered with either yellow or white scales and can cause irritation and flaking.

Candida overgrowth can also cause itching and flaking. But, it shouldn’t give you the same oily patches as seborrheic dermatitis. Candida also tends to affect the inside of the body as well as the outside. Malassezia affects the oil glands in your skin, so it’s unlikely you’ll feel any internal symptoms. But, it can affect other areas of your skin.

These two conditions can often be treated similarly. But, it’s always a good idea to determine precisely what scalp condition is affecting you. If you’re unsure what’s causing your scalp to itch so much, you can get diagnosed by a dermatologist.

Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Candida

If your body is naturally producing too much yeast and it’s affecting your scalp, it’s probably affecting other areas also. One of the best ways to clear this up is by making some lifestyle changes. What you eat (and what you avoid eating), for example, is a great place to start. If you have an overgrowth of yeast, stop feeding it foods that will continue to let it thrive. Foods that are high in fats, carbs, and sugars are fuel for a fungus.

Try avoiding certain foods like:

• Sugar
• Alcohol
• Starchy vegetables (potatoes, carrots, beets)
• Processed foods
• Refined carbohydrates

This might sound restrictive. But if you currently have a diet high in any of these foods, they could all be significantly contributing to the overgrowth of yeast in your body and on your scalp. Once things balance out once again, you can slowly begin to reintroduce these foods. But, you should still limit them as much as possible if your body is prone to producing too much yeast.

At the same time, certain foods can help to ‘kill’ candida, such as:

• Garlic
• Onion
• Cloves
• Ginger root
• Coconut oil

These foods have antifungal properties. They can kill too much yeast from the inside out and prevent a fungal infection from occurring on your scalp.

Managing your stress is also a great way to deal with the systemic side of candida. The higher your stress levels, the easier it can be for this kind of fungus to grow. In today’s world, it can feel impossible to be stress-free all the time. But, find things that can help to lower your stress levels. Things like exercise, meditation, or deep breathing can be useful.

What Is the Best Shampoo for Getting Rid of Candida?

When you have an overgrowth of yeast on the scalp, dealing with it from the inside probably won’t get rid of it altogether. Using a topical treatment is necessary to help heal the skin and soothe the symptoms.

One of the best shampoos for candida is Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo. This shampoo is meant to treat a variety of different scalp conditions. It can help with severe symptoms like itching and flaking, giving you relief from the buildup of yeast on your scalp. 

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You can also use an anti-dandruff shampoo to help with candida, such as Nizoral A-D. Nizoral is specifically formulated to stop the growth of yeast and get rid of the fungus. The main ingredient in Nizoral is Ketoconazole. This ingredient works by killing fungus at the core. It will also help to get rid of the buildup of dead skin cells on your scalp. This will reduce the appearance of unsightly dandruff and flaking. 

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You don’t need to use shampoos like Neutrogena T/Gel or Nizoral A-D every day. They are developed with potent formulas that are designed to be used only a few times a week for best results. It’s not enough to just get rid of the symptoms of yeast overgrowth. These shampoos do that, but they also work to get to the root of the problem and deal with the fungal issues caused by too much yeast.

Home Remedies to Treat Yeast Overgrowth

Treating candida at home needs an antifungal solution. You can also use ingredients that will help to balance out the pH levels of your scalp. Let’s go over some of the best at home treatments for getting rid of this kind of yeast overgrowth:

• Coconut oil: While you can include coconut oil as a part of your diet to help with candida, it can also be used topically. It contains fatty acids with antimicrobial properties. These saturated fats help to kill candida fungi. To use coconut oil on your scalp, just apply a small about directly onto the affected area 3-4 times each day. You don’t need to rinse it away. It will absorb directly into your skin and help to fight the fungus causing your irritation and flaking.
• Tea tree oil: Because of its antifungal, antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, tea tree oil is an excellent solution for candida. You can add a few drops of tea tree oil to your regular shampoo or apply a few drops directly to the scalp. If you do put it directly on your skin, be sure to use a carrier oil (like olive oil). Mix a few drops of tea tree oil into the carrier and rub onto the affected area.
• Oregano oil: Inside oregano oil is a special compound called carvacrol. This compound helps to inhibit the growth of candida. It has antifungal properties that will not only help to treat the current overgrowth of yeast on your scalp but prevent more from occurring. To use correctly, mix a few drops into a couple of tablespoons of olive oil and apply directly to your scalp. You can repeat this process daily until the condition has cleared up.
• Apple cider vinegar: This can help to restore the pH balance of your scalp. It also creates a harsher environment for fungi to grow and thrive. You can apply apple cider vinegar directly onto your scalp, leaving it for fifteen minutes before rinsing away. Follow this treatment daily for best results.
• Lavender oil: This can be added to coconut oil and used directly on your skin. Just a few drops help to inhibit the growth of candida. It can also prevent the spread of fungal infections.
• Vitamin C: This won’t necessarily kill off candida. But, you can include a vitamin C supplement in your daily diet. It will help to boost your immune system naturally, so your body can fight off the overproduction of yeast.

What Are the Side Effects of Treating Candida?

When you’re treating candida on your scalp, the symptoms will likely go away after using a special shampoo or home remedy. If you’re treating systemic candida that has affected your scalp, you might experience more symptoms.

Some of these potential symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Flu-like symptoms
• Acne breakouts
• Dizziness

While these might not sound like the most pleasant symptoms in the world, they are all good signs! It means the excessive amount of candida within your body is dying off. You should notice these symptoms go away in about a week. As a result, the itching and flaking of your scalp should stop, too.

Preventing Too Much Yeast on the Scalp

The best way to prevent an overgrowth of yeast on your scalp and in your body is to make the right lifestyle choices. Follow the dietary suggestions listed in this guide if you’re prone to fungal infections and currently have a diet high in carbs, fats, and sugars.

If you know someone who has candida, keep in mind that fungal infections are contagious. Avoid sharing things like hair combs and brushes, or even towels, pillows, etc. If you currently have candida yourself, make sure to avoid sharing things like this with people you live with.

Treat the problem as soon as you notice the symptoms. An overgrowth of yeast or a fungal infection won’t clear up on their own. Certain changes need to be made if it’s an internal issue. If you’re only experiencing it on your scalp, a topical solution can help to get rid of it.

Are you experiencing symptoms like itching, dandruff-like flakes, and hair loss from candida? That usually means you have an internal infestation of it. But, there are also other symptoms to be aware of. Unfortunately, Candida can do a lot of damage from the inside out. Treating it can often be a two-part method; using a topical solution like shampoo and changing your diet and lifestyle.

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent an overgrowth of yeast on your scalp, using the tips in this guide can lower your risk. Once you know you’re dealing with this particular scalp condition, you can use the right shampoos or home remedies to put a stop to excessive yeast production.

We hope this guide has been helpful if you’re struggling with candida. Out of all the possible scalp conditions, this is one that can be difficult to deal with because it affects the inside of your body as well. By treating the problem with Nizoral A-D as soon as possible, you can reduce the spread of fungal infections, lower your body’s yeast production, and get rid of candida on your scalp.

Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API