Pathways of transmission of tinea capitis

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on January 11, 2025
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Tinea capitis is a type of superficial fungal infection of the skin, primarily affecting the scalp and hair. The transmission routes for tinea capitis primarily include direct contact or indirect contact. It can be transmitted through direct contact with other tinea capitis patients or animals, as well as through indirect contact with items such as towels, pillows, combs, and scissors used by others. Therefore, it is important to maintain cleanliness and avoid sharing personal items, especially with others who have tinea capitis.

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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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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
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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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What should I do if my scalp ringworm clears up but then comes back?

Tinea capitis keeps recurring because it is difficult to cure and tends to relapse. To prevent this condition from occurring again, the following suggestions are offered. First, items that are in close contact such as contaminated clothing, hats, pillows, and bedding should be disinfected by boiling or sun exposure. Additionally, areas affected by fungal infections should be disinfected and sterilized. Lastly, patients with tinea capitis should receive antifungal treatment.

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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.