How to treat recurring tinea capitis?

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on April 18, 2025
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If recurrent attacks of tinea capitis occur, it may be related to poor lifestyle habits of the patient and not eradicating the condition with medication. To prevent recurrent attacks, the following suggestions are recommended: Firstly, wash your hair diligently every day to remove scabs, fungal attachments, and some necrotic tissues. Secondly, disinfect everyday items that are commonly in contact. Lastly, use some topical medications for treatment; if the effects of topical medications are insufficient, it may be necessary to combine them with oral antifungal medications. (Use of medications should be carried out under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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How to remove tinea capitis

Tinea capitis is a common skin disease, often caused by a fungal infection of the scalp. To remove tinea capitis, it is suggested to pay attention to the following points: First, wash your hair frequently. You can use topical potassium permanganate solutions for scalp cleansing, removing necrotic tissue, fungi, and some crusts. Second, it is advised to pay attention to personal hygiene and avoid eating spicy foods. Furthermore, for mild cases of tinea capitis, it is advisable to use selenium sulfide cleansers for washing. Lastly, for more severe tinea capitis, it is necessary to use topical antifungal medications such as ketoconazole ointment, along with oral antifungal medications for treatment (the use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor).

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Is tinea capitis easily contagious to adults?

Tinea capitis is not very contagious to adults. Because most adults have stronger resistance to fungi, the likelihood of infection is much smaller than in children. This disease is more common in children or people with poorer skin resistance. Tinea capitis includes yellow tinea, white tinea, black tinea, and dragon tinea. Regardless of the type, active antifungal treatment should be received. Avoid eating irritating foods, such as raw ginger, raw onions, pepper, chili, etc.

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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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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 department should I go to for tinea capitis?

Tinea capitis, the disease should be treated in dermatology. Because tinea capitis is a fungal infection of the scalp and hair, it is classified as a type of dermatophytic infection. Depending on the pathogen and its manifestations, the types are different, including pustular tinea, white tinea, black tinea, and yellow tinea. To treat tinea capitis, antifungal treatment is essential. A light diet is recommended, and one should avoid stimulating foods such as hot pot and barbecue.