white piedra

White piedra is a superficial fungal infection of the hair shaft, caused by Trichosporon species. It presents clinically as white nodules encasing the hair shafts [1]. These nodules can be soft and loosely attached to the hair shaft, with a texture that is often described as gelatinous [7].

The affected areas are typically the terminal hair shaft, which is the longer, thicker hairs on the scalp [8]. White piedra is characterized by the presence of lightly pigmented, soft nodules or sheaths encircling the hair shaft [9]. These nodules can be white, tan, or reddish-green in color and may be associated with other symptoms such as scalp hyperkeratosis (a condition where the skin on the scalp becomes thickened) and brittle hair [5].

It's worth noting that white piedra is a relatively rare fungal infection of the hair shaft, and its description can vary depending on the individual case. However, in general, it presents as a superficial fungal infection with characteristic nodules or sheaths encircling the hair shaft.

References: [1] - Context result 2 [5] - Context result 5 [7] - Context result 7 [8] - Context result 8 [9] - Context result 9

White Piedra: Signs and Symptoms

White piedra is a superficial fungal infection of hair caused by Trichosporon species [3]. The primary symptoms of this condition are the formation of clusters of tiny nodules along the hair shafts, which appear as white, rock-like structures [2].

The main symptom of white piedra is the presence of pearly nodules surrounding the hair follicles [4]. These nodules can be found on various parts of the body, including the scalp, pubic area, axillary region, and facial hair [5].

In some cases, the fungus may grow into the hair shaft, causing structural instability and potentially leading to hair breakage [8]. The presence of little, white to yellowish knobs on the hair shaft is also a common symptom of white piedra [7].

It's essential to note that white piedra can be asymptomatic in some cases, meaning it may not cause any noticeable symptoms or discomfort [6].

References:

[1] Not applicable (initial query)

[2] Mar 25, 2020 — The main symptom of white piedra is the formation of clusters of tiny nodules along the hair shafts. These rock-like structures appear white, ...

[3] by V Gaurav · 2022 · Cited by 7 — White piedra is a superficial fungal infection of hair caused by Trichosporon species.

[4] Mar 14, 2023 — Symptoms Of White Piedra​​ The following symptoms are noticed in this fungal hair problem: Pearly nodules surrounding the hair follicles.

[5] Jul 7, 2024 — The most common site affected by white piedra is the scalp, but pubic, axillary, and facial hair may also be affected.

[6] by AS Roshan · 2009 · Cited by 14 — White Piedra is an unusual asymptomatic superficial fungal infection of the hair, characterized by the presence of numerous, discrete, soft, asymptomatic ...

[7] Apr 26, 2023 — Side effects of white piedra include the presence of little, white to yellowish knobs on the hair shaft, which may feel abrasive or harsh. These ...

[8] The fungus grows into the hair shaft; ultimately, it may cause hair breakage because of structural instability. White piedra consists of lightly pigmented, ...

Diagnosing White Piedra

White piedra, a rare superficial fungal infection of the hair shaft, can be diagnosed through various methods.

• Microscopic Examination: Doctors diagnose white piedra by examining the hair shaft and nodules. They may also perform tests on the fungus to confirm the diagnosis [3].
• KOH (Potassium Hydroxide) Preparation: A fungal stain, such as chlorazol black E stain or Parker blue-black stain, can be used to visualize the fungus in a 10-15% potassium hydroxide preparation on a glass slide [1].
• Clinical Inspection: The hair shafts and nodules are inspected for signs of infection. This is often done by plucking the hair and examining it under a microscope [7].
• Molecular Identification: In some cases, molecular identification may be used to confirm the diagnosis of white piedra [4].

References

[1] Apr 26, 2023 — A fungal stain, such as chlorazol black E stain or Parker blue-black stain, can be used to visualize the fungus in a 10-15% potassium hydroxide preparation on a glass slide. [3] Mar 25, 2020 — White piedra is a rare superficial fungal infection of the hair shaft. It can affect people of any age and tends to occur in temperate regions... [4] by V Gaurav · 2022 · Cited by 7 — On the basis of history, clinical examination, microscopic analysis, and molecular identification, a diagnosis of white piedra was made. [7] Mar 13, 2019 — Diagnosis of both types of piedra can be made by microscopic examination of the nodules on the hair shaft. The hair should be plucked and...

Treatment Options for White Piedra

White piedra, a fungal infection that affects the hair shafts on the scalp, can be treated with various medications and home remedies. Here are some treatment options:

• Topical Antifungals: Topical antifungal creams, shampoos, and ointments containing ingredients like imidazoles, ciclopirox olamine, 2% selenium sulfide, or 6% precipitated sulfur in petroleum jelly can be effective in treating white piedra. These products can be applied directly to the affected area.
• Oral Antifungal Medications: In some cases, oral antifungal medications like itraconazole or terbinafine may be prescribed by a doctor to treat white piedra. These medications work systemically and can help clear up the infection from within.
• Shaving and Cutting Affected Hairs: Simply cutting or shaving the affected hairs can also be an effective treatment option for white piedra, especially when combined with an antifungal shampoo.

References:

• [5] White piedra can be treated by using topical antifungals, including imidazoles, ciclopirox olamine, 2% selenium sulfide, 6% precipitated sulfur in petroleum, ...
• [6] Piedra can usually be effectively treated by cutting or shaving the affected hairs, with or without the addition of an antifungal shampoo. Oral terbinafine has been used in some cases.
• [7] Mar 13, 2019 — White piedra can also be treated with a variety of topical antifungal agents, including topical imidazoles, ciclopirox, 2% selenium sulfide ...
• [8] Dec 13, 2018 — In general, the treatment of WP is simple; most of the reports used antifungal shampoos, the most effective being 2% ketoconazole. Other less ...

Note: It's essential to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment of white piedra, as they can recommend the best course of action based on individual circumstances.

Differential Diagnosis of White Piedra

White piedra, also known as trichosporosis, is a superficial fungal infection that affects the terminal hair shaft. However, it can be challenging to diagnose due to its similarity with other conditions. Here are some key points to consider in the differential diagnosis of white piedra:

• Black piedra: This condition is caused by the fungus Piedraia hortae and can be clinically indistinguishable from white piedra [2]. Both conditions present with nodules or gelatinous sheaths on the hair shaft, but black piedra tends to have a more intense coloration.
• Trichorrhexis nodosa: This is a condition characterized by brittle hair that breaks easily, often presenting with nodules or splits in the hair shaft. It can be confused with white piedra due to its similar appearance [3].
• Pediculosis (lice infestation): In some cases, pediculosis can be mistaken for white piedra, especially if the lice are not visible to the naked eye [4]. However, a thorough examination and possibly a scalp scraping can help differentiate between the two conditions.
• Seborrheic dermatitis: This is a common skin condition that can affect the scalp, causing inflammation and flaking. It may be confused with white piedra due to its similar appearance, but seborrheic dermatitis typically presents with more pronounced symptoms [5].
• Inverse psoriasis: This type of psoriasis can present with redness and scaling on the scalp, which may be mistaken for white piedra. However, a closer examination and possibly a biopsy can help differentiate between the two conditions [6].

Key Takeaways

• White piedra is a superficial fungal infection that affects the terminal hair shaft.
• Differential diagnosis includes black piedra, trichorrhexis nodosa, pediculosis, seborrheic dermatitis, and inverse psoriasis.
• A thorough examination, possibly including scalp scraping or biopsy, can help differentiate between these conditions.

References:

[1] Apr 26, 2023 — Monilethrix, trichorrhexis nodosa, and trichoptilosis: White piedra can be clinically indistinguishable from these conditions. [2] Black piedra is caused by the fungus Piedraia hortae. · White piedra is usually caused by Trichosporon spp., mainly T. cutaneum, T. ovoide, and T. inkin, and is ... [3] Differential diagnosis includes pediculosis (see Chapter 33), seborrheic dermatitis and inverse psoriasis. In trichomycosis axillaris, a benign infection of ... [4] A differential is a gear train that allows different speeds of rotation for two or more shafts. [5] The differential is a device that splits the engine torque two ways, allowing each output to spin at a different speed..