What does tinea capitis look like?

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on September 25, 2024
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Tinea capitis is a fungal infection of the scalp or hair follicles caused by dermatophytes. There are several types of tinea capitis. If it is white piedra, it appears as scattered, spot-like scaly patches; if it presents as kerion, significant inflammation will occur with many small pustules forming on the scalp; if it is yellow piedra, scalp scales will appear. Regardless of the type of tinea capitis, it is crucial to treat it promptly to prevent spreading.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Symptoms and Treatment Methods of Tinea Capitis

Tinea capitis can show many symptoms, such as itchy scalp, scabbing with pus formation, dandruff, etc. To treat tinea capitis, the methods are as follows: Firstly, pay attention to personal hygiene and cleanliness, and wash hair frequently. Secondly, for mild cases, topical treatments like ketoconazole shampoo or selenium sulfide shampoo can be used. Finally, for more severe cases, oral antifungal medications are needed, such as itraconazole capsules, ketoconazole capsules, etc. (Note: Use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Is tinea capitis highly contagious?

Tinea capitis is highly contagious because it is a fungal infection primarily caused by dermatophytes. It can be transmitted through direct contact or indirectly, including through shared use of hairdressing tools or communal hygiene items. Some patients may also contract tinea capitis from infected domestic animals like cats and dogs. This disease particularly tends to infect children or individuals with weakened immune systems.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Is tinea capitis contagious?

Tinea capitis is contagious and has a relatively strong infectivity. It is especially prone to infect infants, children, and people with compromised immune functions due to underlying diseases. It can be spread through contact, including both direct and indirect contacts. For instance, sharing towels or other personal hygiene items can lead to infection, and contact with animals such as cats or dogs that have dermatophytosis can also transmit the disease.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
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Is tinea capitis a skin disease?

Tinea capitis, a type of skin disease, is a superficial fungal infection treated in the dermatology department and is commonly seen in children. There are four types of tinea capitis: yellow tinea, white tinea, black tinea, and pus tinea. It spreads through contact, including both indirect and direct contact, and is highly contagious. For those diagnosed with tinea capitis, treatments such as hair plucking and antifungal medications are recommended (medication should be used under the guidance of a physician).

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Difference between Tinea Capitis and Scalp Psoriasis

Tinea capitis and scalp psoriasis are quite different. Firstly, looking at the causes of the diseases, tinea capitis is caused by fungal infections. The cause of psoriasis is not very clear, but it is considered to be related to multiple factors such as genetics, immunity, and infections. Secondly, the symptoms of scalp psoriasis vary depending on the type and may include scaly erythema, pustules, and desquamation, whereas tinea capitis typically presents with symptoms such as hair breakage, itching, and scabbing.