Tinea Capitis Clinical Symptoms

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on January 01, 2025
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Tinea capitis varies in clinical symptoms depending on its classification. If it is yellow tinea, it presents as yellow crusts on the scalp, with ulcers or erosion visible beneath the crusts. If it is white tinea, white scaly patches can be seen, generally with clear boundaries that may merge. If it is black dot tinea, hair breaking off shortly after emerging from the scalp appears as small black dots. If it is pustular tinea, the scalp shows redness and swelling with pus formation.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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Will tinea capitis be contagious if someone touches it?

If someone with tinea capitis briefly makes contact, it generally isn't contagious. If the skin is washed promptly with soapy water after contact, it will not lead to infection. It is important to maintain cleanliness, wash hands frequently, and wash hands thoroughly to minimize the risk of infection. Tinea capitis is a contagious skin disease caused by a superficial fungal infection of the scalp. Hats, pillows, and combs used by individuals with tinea capitis can have many fungi attached to them, and using these combs or wearing hats, using the pillows can easily lead to fungal infections. If tinea capitis occurs, it is important to use antifungal medications promptly for treatment. Under a doctor's guidance, using ketoconazole topical shampoo can be effective, and in severe cases, it may be necessary to combine this with oral antifungal medications for treatment.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Pathways of transmission of tinea capitis

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 foods are good for treating tinea capitis?

During the illness period of tinea capitis, it is recommended to firstly consume more foods rich in proteins and vitamins such as eggplants, loofahs, mung beans, winter melons, apples, pears, bananas, watermelons, and adzuki beans, especially for patients with obvious desquamation and more scales. These foods can help with recovery and improvement. Secondly, eating more carrots, lean meat, and green leafy vegetables is beneficial for the recovery of skin lesions in patients with tinea capitis. Lastly, do not drink alcohol and avoid fishy and pungent foods.

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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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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.