hair loss

Interactive Quiz: Spontaneous Hair Loss

  • Answer: A. Shaving of the head

     

    Shaving of the head is usually the first-line treatment for white piedra; however, shaving of the head was avoided in order to preserve the morale of the 2 women sailors and to avoid possible panic in a 213-woman berthing area. The patients were prescribed a 10-week regimen of oral itraconazole, 100 mg/d, and topical fluconazole shampoo, 2%. After 4 weeks of treatment, the proximal 6 cm of the women’s hair strands were clear of the nodules, and the remaining distal nodules had decreased in size. At 8 weeks of treatment, all symptoms had resolved. Both patients completed 10 weeks of treatment and were monitored for 3 months with no return of symptoms.

     

    What fungus causes white piedra?