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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Difference between Tinea Capitis and Psoriasis

Tinea capitis and psoriasis are quite different from each other, starting with their causes. The causes of psoriasis are not very clear and may be related to factors like immune infection and heredity, whereas the cause of tinea capitis is quite clear, as it is caused by fungal infection. Furthermore, their treatments differ. It is recommended to use antifungal medications to treat tinea capitis, while psoriasis is generally treated with immunosuppressants and corticosteroids. Finally, the symptoms of tinea capitis include scaly patches, crusting, and itching, whereas psoriasis typically presents with scaly erythema, pustules, and less itching.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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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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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.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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What are the symptoms of tinea capitis?

Tinea capitis commonly presents with numerous symptoms, such as an abundance of dandruff, itchy scalp, formation of crusty pustules, and scaling. There are four types of tinea capitis, each differing slightly in symptoms. For example, yellow tinea can lead to atrophic scarring and permanent hair loss; white tinea typically causes brittleness of hair, eczematous or herpetic lesions; black tinea often leaves behind follicular damage and scarring; finally, pustular tinea can lead to secondary bacterial infections with exudation and lesion formation.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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What will happen if tinea capitis is not treated?

Once afflicted with tinea capitis, it is essential to treat it proactively. If left untreated, it can lead to several severe consequences. Firstly, it might cause atrophic scarring, leaving permanent bald patches, which significantly affects appearance, Secondly, there might also be secondary bacterial infections due to crusting of the scalp, producing a foul smell and intense itching, severely impacting the quality of life. Lastly, if purulent tinea forms, it could lead to the scalp becoming purulent and eventually cause a systemic infection.