What will happen if tinea capitis is not treated?

Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

Updated on April 10, 2025

00:00

00:00

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.

Other Voices

home-news-image

Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

40sec

home-news-image

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.

home-news-image

Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

39sec

home-news-image

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.)

home-news-image

Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

43sec

home-news-image

Foods to avoid with tinea capitis include:

Patients with tinea capitis definitely need to avoid many things in their diet. First and foremost, they must abstain from alcohol as it causes the capillaries to dilate and congest, which can worsen the condition. Secondly, they should avoid foods that are known to trigger outbreaks, such as sea fish, shrimp, and crabs. These foods can cause exacerbation and flare-ups of the skin lesions. Lastly, they should avoid eating overly greasy, overly spicy, and stimulating foods, as well as deep-fried foods, such as onions, garlic, pepper, chili peppers, mustard, and so on.

home-news-image

Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

36sec

home-news-image

Can tinea capitis be transmitted through hands?

Tinea capitis, the disease in question, is transmissible through hands. It is a superficial fungal infection primarily affecting the scalp and hair, mainly caused by pathogens such as Microsporum ferrugineum and Trichophyton schoenleinii. Transmission can occur through contact with objects like hats, pillowcases, and towels that have been used by others. Additionally, if one has tinea manuum (fungal infection of the hand), it can also lead to the spread of tinea capitis.

home-news-image

Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

33sec

home-news-image

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.