6 Signs You Have a Yeast Infection…On Your Scalp

One social media follower out of Newport News, VA was experiencing strange symptoms on her scalp and wondering if you can have yeast infections on your scalp?

The short answer? Yes.

Yeast spots on the scalp are common among all ages groups although they are most often found in children. Yeast infections are caused for a number of reasons. The most well known cause is that of a fungus that infects the skin and hair follicles. There are various prescribed and over-the-counter medications that can be used to treat this common infection.

TAKE A LOOK: The Most Common Scalp Issues & Treatments

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Yeast spots can form on your feet, on your nails, anywhere that can be prone to moist covered areas.

Candidiasis is by far the most common type of yeast infection in human skin. Candidiasis is infection with Candida species. More than 20 species of Candida exist. The most common is Candida albicans. These fungi live on all surfaces of our bodies and only occasionally cause infection.

How Can You Tell if You Have a Scalp Yeast Infection?

Fungal infections such as yeast infections are most common in children although they can be found in all ages. A yeast infection found on the scalp is called tinea capitis. When identifying this type of infection look for scaly spots on the scalp which are often accompanied by hair loss. The spots may be large or small but if you notice any changes in your scalp, consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment options.

Here are some signs to watch for:

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Common Signs of a Scalp Yeast Infection

1. Persistent Itching

• Constant urge to scratch, often worse than typical dandruff
• May feel tingly, burning, or irritated, especially after sweating

2. Flaky or Greasy Scales

• Flakes can be white, yellow, or even slightly oily
• Often stick to the scalp or hair shafts instead of falling off easily
• Can resemble dandruff but tends to persist despite regular washing

3. Redness and Inflammation

• Visible red or pink patches on the scalp
• May feel tender or sore to the touch
• Can extend to areas like the hairline, ears, or eyebrows

4. Oily or Waxy Scalp

• Excess oil production can feed yeast
• Hair may look greasy shortly after washing
• You might notice buildup that feels waxy or sticky

5. Small Bumps or Pimples

• Yeast can inflame hair follicles (similar to folliculitis)
• May appear as tiny bumps or pus-filled spots
• Can be itchy or painful

6. Hair Shedding or Thinning (in more severe cases)

• Inflammation can disrupt healthy hair growth
• Usually temporary if treated early

When It Might Be More Than Dandruff

You might be dealing with a yeast-related condition like seborrheic dermatitis if:

• Symptoms keep coming back
• Over-the-counter dandruff shampoos don’t help
• The irritation spreads beyond your scalp

READ: 5 Things Every Woman Should Know About Yeast Infections

How Are Yeast Infections on Scalp Treated?

One medication used to treat yeast spots on the scalp is called Ketoconazole. This is a topical product in the form of a shampoo. It should only be prescribed by a doctor. The prescription strength option is typically used once a day for 2 to 6 weeks while the over-the-counter version is applied daily to the scalp every 3 to 4 days for up to 8 weeks.

Another natural option is tea tree oil. It is a natural disinfectant that works like pharmaceutical antifungal products. Apply a light coating to the affected area two or three times a day, and continue to apply it for two weeks after signs of the infection have disappeared to make sure the fungus is eradicated.