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 Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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What should be noted about tinea capitis?

After suffering from tinea capitis, it is essential to pay attention to the following points: First, maintain the hygiene and cleanliness of the scalp, and wash your hair frequently. Secondly, avoid eating overly spicy, stimulating, and greasy foods, eat less salt, and consume more fresh vegetables and fruits. Lastly, it is advised to use official medications for treatment, such as antifungal drugs. If the treatment does not result in improvement, be sure to visit a hospital promptly.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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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.

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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
Dermatology
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Foods to avoid with tinea capitis

Patients with tinea capitis need to avoid certain foods in their diet. First, do not eat foods that are high in fat, such as fatty meats and lard. Secondly, avoid spicy and irritating foods, as consuming overly spicy and irritating foods can increase dandruff and cause scalp itching, aggravating tinea capitis. Finally, do not eat chili peppers, mustard, raw onions, raw ginger, and alcoholic beverages, and be sure to maintain cleanliness and actively treat tinea capitis.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Can people with tinea capitis eat lamb?

Patients with tinea capitis should not eat mutton. Mutton is considered a dry and hot food, and consuming it can worsen the symptoms of tinea capitis, especially burning and itching. In addition to mutton, there are many other foods that patients with tinea capitis should avoid. For example, fried foods, greasy foods, and spicy foods should be avoided or consumed less. Furthermore, seafood and foods that are rich and potent should also be avoided.