Is tinea capitis a skin disease?

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on January 02, 2025
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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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How to remove tinea capitis

Tinea capitis is a common skin disease, often caused by a fungal infection of the scalp. To remove tinea capitis, it is suggested to pay attention to the following points: First, wash your hair frequently. You can use topical potassium permanganate solutions for scalp cleansing, removing necrotic tissue, fungi, and some crusts. Second, it is advised to pay attention to personal hygiene and avoid eating spicy foods. Furthermore, for mild cases of tinea capitis, it is advisable to use selenium sulfide cleansers for washing. Lastly, for more severe tinea capitis, it is necessary to use topical antifungal medications such as ketoconazole ointment, along with oral antifungal medications for treatment (the use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor).

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Symptoms of tinea capitis

The symptoms of tinea capitis vary according to the type. Tinea capitis is classified into types such as yellow tinea, white tinea, black tinea, and dragon tinea. Yellow tinea is characterized by the presence of yellow, scabby patches on the scalp with hair growing through the middle. Lifting these crusts reveals underlying erosion or ulcers. White tinea primarily presents as white, scaly patches, while black tinea appears similar to white tinea but features small black and white dots on the hair and scalp. Finally, dragon tinea is associated with swollen, boil-like elevations.

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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
38sec home-news-image

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).