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Tinea capitis
Types of Tinea Capitis and Their Characteristics
Tinea capitis, commonly seen in children, is a superficial skin disease related to fungal infections. There are four types of tinea capitis: Firstly, the type called "yellow tinea," caused by the yellow tinea fungus, is characterized by yellow scabs on the skin with hair emerging through the center, potentially forming atrophic scars. If left untreated, permanent hair loss may occur. The second type is "white tinea," which appears as grayish-white, scaly patches. The third type is "black tinea," presenting with red papules and black dots at the broken hair shafts. The last type is "pus tinea," exhibiting symptoms of purulent folliculitis.
What should not be eaten with tinea capitis?
Once you have tinea capitis, there are many things you cannot eat.Firstly, overly greasy foods should be avoided, such as fried foods, fatty meats, etc.Secondly, spicy and stimulating foods should be avoided, especially raw onions, raw ginger, raw garlic, pepper, chili peppers, and mustard.Lastly, alcoholic beverages, including spirits, should be avoided as alcohol can stimulate itching symptoms to worsen, which is detrimental to the treatment of tinea capitis.
Is tinea capitis serious?
The disease of tinea capitis, with the improvement of living standards, has gradually seen a decrease in incidence. However, if tinea capitis is contracted and not relieved or treated in time, it can lead to serious consequences. There are four types of tinea capitis: pustular tinea, black tinea, white tinea, and yellow tinea. If yellow tinea is not controlled, it can leave permanent hair loss. Both black tinea and pustular tinea, besides potentially causing permanent hair loss, may also lead to other issues.
Can tinea capitis heal by itself?
Some cases of tinea capitis can heal on their own. Clinically, tinea capitis is divided into white piedra, black dot tinea, yellow piedra, and kerion. White piedra can heal on its own, usually after puberty. Post-puberty, Malassezia may colonize the scalp and secrete free fatty acids, which have a certain killing effect on white piedra, so it may resolve without treatment. However, if the tinea capitis is yellow piedra, black dot tinea, or kerion, these types cannot heal on their own and may cause permanent hair loss. Therefore, it is crucial to treat these types promptly with antifungal medications under a doctor's guidance and pay attention to personal hygiene.
Foods to avoid with tinea capitis include:
Patients with tinea capitis definitely need to avoid many things in their diet. First and foremost, they must abstain from alcohol as it causes the capillaries to dilate and congest, which can worsen the condition. Secondly, they should avoid foods that are known to trigger outbreaks, such as sea fish, shrimp, and crabs. These foods can cause exacerbation and flare-ups of the skin lesions. Lastly, they should avoid eating overly greasy, overly spicy, and stimulating foods, as well as deep-fried foods, such as onions, garlic, pepper, chili peppers, mustard, and so on.
What is the difference between tinea capitis and seborrheic dermatitis?
Tinea capitis and seborrheic dermatitis have fundamentally different causes. Tinea capitis is a fungal infection, including conditions such as yellow tinea, white tinea, black dot tinea, and pustular tinea. It leads to the destruction of hair follicles, which can cause hair loss and even scarring. Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, arises from the excessive secretion of sebum. At this time, it may also be stimulated by the colonization of certain microorganisms, such as Malassezia, causing inflammation. It typically affects the scalp, face, chest, and back. The initial lesions are follicular papules, which gradually enlarge and merge into dark red or yellow-red plaques covered with greasy scales or crusts. It can also exhibit exudation, crusting, erosion, and other eczematous changes, and in severe cases, the skin lesions can become widespread throughout the body. To differentiate between tinea capitis and seborrheic dermatitis, besides the symptoms, local skin flakes can be tested in a laboratory using fungal immunofluorescence, as well as bacterial and fungal cultures.
What should not be eaten with tinea capitis?
Patients with tinea capitis should pay attention to their diet. Firstly, a light diet is advisable, and during the illness, avoid eating stimulating, greasy, and spicy foods, such as pepper, green onion, etc. Secondly, regularly consume a variety of vegetables and fruits. Lastly, avoid fried foods, such as deep-fried dough sticks, etc. Do not eat fishy and rich foods, such as seafood, beef, and mutton, etc. It is crucial to seek timely treatment after developing tinea capitis.
Is tinea capitis contagious?
Tinea capitis is contagious and highly infectious. It commonly occurs in children and is related to poor hygiene, inadequate cleaning of the scalp, and contact with other individuals or animals infected with tinea capitis. Once tinea capitis appears, it should be taken seriously and treated promptly. If left untreated, it could lead to severe consequences, such as permanent hair loss. Tinea capitis should be addressed by a dermatologist, and it is advised to seek medical attention promptly.
What foods are good for treating tinea capitis?
During the illness period of tinea capitis, it is recommended to firstly consume more foods rich in proteins and vitamins such as eggplants, loofahs, mung beans, winter melons, apples, pears, bananas, watermelons, and adzuki beans, especially for patients with obvious desquamation and more scales. These foods can help with recovery and improvement. Secondly, eating more carrots, lean meat, and green leafy vegetables is beneficial for the recovery of skin lesions in patients with tinea capitis. Lastly, do not drink alcohol and avoid fishy and pungent foods.
How to treat recurring tinea capitis?
If recurrent attacks of tinea capitis occur, it may be related to poor lifestyle habits of the patient and not eradicating the condition with medication. To prevent recurrent attacks, the following suggestions are recommended: Firstly, wash your hair diligently every day to remove scabs, fungal attachments, and some necrotic tissues. Secondly, disinfect everyday items that are commonly in contact. Lastly, use some topical medications for treatment; if the effects of topical medications are insufficient, it may be necessary to combine them with oral antifungal medications. (Use of medications should be carried out under the guidance of a doctor.)