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Let me begin by saying, I ought to have recognized higher. I’ve been a magnificence editor for 15-plus years, and I do know one of many so-called “beauty sins” is sleeping with moist hair. However I assumed it was extra to guard my hair well being, not my inside well being. As a busy mother, I fell into a foul behavior of late-night showers after I was too drained to blow-dry afterward. I by no means went to mattress with sopping-wet hair, however it was definitely damp. I’ve fairly a little bit of hair and it likes to retain water, so a blow-dry isn’t a fast five-minute factor. Nonetheless, I discovered my lesson the arduous method. Right here’s my story.
How I Found an An infection From Sleeping With Moist Hair
Throughout a routine dental cleansing, I advised the hygienist I used to be having a bit discomfort in my decrease jaw space, however I’ve TMJ, so I wasn’t too involved. Nonetheless, this explicit hygienist is a bit more holistic, and determined to really feel round my lymph nodes “just to check.” She additionally checked the again of my neck, and alongside my hairline on the appropriate aspect she discovered “a swollen one.” She couldn’t make any medical diagnoses, however she advised me I ought to have it checked out ASAP. I do know swollen lymph nodes imply an infection, and I didn’t really feel sick, so I took myself to the physician that afternoon.
One necessary factor to notice is that my scalp had been itching for a few week prior. I chalked it as much as having examined a number of new shampoos, styling merchandise and scalp remedies for our annual Magnificence Awards. I assumed I had simply disrupted my scalp microbiome and it might go away. Nonetheless, one have a look at my scalp and the physician stated I had an an infection. She requested some questions, together with, “Have you slept with wet hair recently?” I used to be shocked. After all I had.
What the Physician Mentioned
The physician’s speculation was that I had scratched the itch sufficient to interrupt the pores and skin ever so barely, after which sleeping with moist hair let micro organism into the wound. There may be, nevertheless, additionally an opportunity that I may have scratched the wound with micro organism on my finger. However, she expressed having seen the scalp an infection situation from wet-hair sleepers a couple of instances. She additionally taught me that the lymph node alongside the hairline on the again proper aspect of the neck is linked to the scalp. I had no thought. Clearly, as a result of I had a scalp an infection, it was infected. I used to be prescribed antibiotics and an antifungal shampoo known as ketoconazole (2 %). I additionally picked up a hydrocortisone remedy from the pharmacy to assist with the itching.
What I Discovered From This Mistake