Is shaving the head a good treatment for tinea capitis?

Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

Updated on October 31, 2024

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Shaving the head completely is very beneficial for the treatment of scalp ringworm. After shaving, the scalp is exposed, making it more effective to apply ointment directly on it. Besides, shaving the head facilitates easier scalp cleaning, maintaining dryness and hygiene. For treating scalp ringworm, apart from shaving the head, it is also recommended to take oral antifungal medications and supplement the diet with vitamin-rich foods.

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Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

39sec

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Does tinea capitis itch?

Tinea capitis is a common superficial fungal infection of the skin, divided into types such as yellow tinea and white tinea, which are contagious. Tinea capitis causes itchy symptoms, and in addition to itching, there may also be symptoms such as increased dandruff, and skin discoloration to white or yellow, often accompanied by scales. Once tinea capitis occurs, it is essential to timely treat it with antifungal medications and to maintain cleanliness and dryness of the scalp, developing good hygiene habits. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

29sec

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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

37sec

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Tinea Capitis Clinical Symptoms

Tinea capitis varies in clinical symptoms depending on its classification. If it is yellow tinea, it presents as yellow crusts on the scalp, with ulcers or erosion visible beneath the crusts. If it is white tinea, white scaly patches can be seen, generally with clear boundaries that may merge. If it is black dot tinea, hair breaking off shortly after emerging from the scalp appears as small black dots. If it is pustular tinea, the scalp shows redness and swelling with pus formation.

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Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

36sec

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Is tinea capitis easily contagious to adults?

Tinea capitis is not very contagious to adults. Because most adults have stronger resistance to fungi, the likelihood of infection is much smaller than in children. This disease is more common in children or people with poorer skin resistance. Tinea capitis includes yellow tinea, white tinea, black tinea, and dragon tinea. Regardless of the type, active antifungal treatment should be received. Avoid eating irritating foods, such as raw ginger, raw onions, pepper, chili, etc.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan

Dermatology

52sec

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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.