November 22nd 2024.
Have you recently noticed itchy bumps or rashes on your scalp after getting a fresh new fade at the barber? If so, you may have fallen victim to a common fungal infection known as ringworm. Despite its misleading name, this infection is not caused by worms but rather a fungus that thrives in warm, moist areas of the skin. According to the NHS, it can manifest as a scaly, dry, swollen, or itchy rash that is often red in color.
Mike Taylor, a barber and owner of a training academy in Poole, Dorset, has seen a rise in clients seeking treatment for ringworm. He estimates that 70 to 80 percent of his clients request skin fades, a popular haircut that requires the use of a foil clipper. However, Mike believes that the lack of proper cleaning and sanitation of these clippers in some barbershops is contributing to the spread of the infection.
He explains, "To achieve the desired effect, the clippers need to be used very close to the skin. But this also means that they can easily pick up hair and need to be thoroughly cleaned after each use." Unfortunately, in an effort to cut costs and offer cheaper prices, some barbershops may not be taking the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of ringworm.
Ringworm is highly contagious and can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, as well as by sharing contaminated objects such as combs, bedsheets, and towels. It can also spread through scratching the affected area, which is why it's important to seek treatment as soon as possible.
If you suspect that you have ringworm, it's best to consult a pharmacist who can prescribe antifungal medication in the form of tablets, creams, gels, or sprays. However, treatment may need to be continued for up to four weeks, even after the rash has disappeared.
Christian Reynolds, a 22-year-old from Bournemouth, experienced the unpleasant effects of ringworm after getting a skin fade from his barber. He recalls, "Almost immediately after leaving the barbershop, my partner noticed a raised, itchy mark on the back of my neck." A pharmacist confirmed that it was indeed ringworm, leaving Christian feeling disappointed and let down by the lack of proper hygiene practices at the barbershop.
Unfortunately, the hairdressing and barbering industry is largely unregulated, which means that anyone can set up shop without proper training or qualifications. Gareth Penn, the registrar at the hair and barber council, believes that this lack of regulation not only puts customers at risk of fungal infections, but also opens the door for illegal activities.
He says, "We need stricter rules in place to ensure that only trained and qualified individuals are practicing in this industry." However, the government currently has no plans to regulate the hairdressing sector, but they are open to considering evidence and working with the industry to address any concerns.
In the meantime, it's important to be aware of the risks and take precautions when visiting a barbershop. Remember to ask about their cleaning and sanitation practices, and if you do experience any symptoms of ringworm, seek medical treatment immediately. After all, as the saying goes, sometimes the cheapest price isn't always the best price.
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