There are several types of tinea capitis.

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on March 16, 2025
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According to the pathogens and symptoms, tinea capitis is divided into four types. The first type is yellow tinea, where yellow crusts appear on the scalp. Without treatment, it can lead to atrophic scars and permanent hair loss. The second type is white tinea; the third type is black tinea; the fourth type is purulent tinea, which shows symptoms similar to folliculitis. Therefore, no matter which type of tinea capitis it is, timely antifungal treatment is essential.

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Written by Zhang Jian Bo
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Can washing your hair with vinegar cure tinea capitis?

Washing the scalp with vinegar for tinea capitis can only play a minor treatment role and cannot cure it. Tinea capitis is a skin disease caused by fungal infections and requires treatment with antifungal medications. For example, topical application of clotrimazole cream or terbinafine cream can be used, along with antifungal shampoos such as selenium sulfide shampoo or ketoconazole shampoo. Patients with severe tinea capitis may also need oral medication treatment, such as taking itraconazole capsules or terbinafine tablets. It is advisable not to self-medicate tinea capitis, and systematic treatment should be sought at a hospital.

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Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
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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.

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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.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Does tinea capitis require dietary restrictions?

For the disease of tinea capitis, it is definitely necessary to avoid certain foods. Firstly, one must not drink alcohol, as it is a stimulant that can worsen the itching symptoms of tinea capitis; secondly, patients with tinea capitis should avoid foods that cause flare-ups such as seafood and mangoes; furthermore, patients should avoid spicy and stimulating foods, greasy foods, and fried foods, such as spicy hot pot, barbecue, raw ginger, raw onions, and raw garlic.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
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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.