What does tinea capitis look like?

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on September 25, 2024
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Tinea capitis is a fungal infection of the scalp or hair follicles caused by dermatophytes. There are several types of tinea capitis. If it is white piedra, it appears as scattered, spot-like scaly patches; if it presents as kerion, significant inflammation will occur with many small pustules forming on the scalp; if it is yellow piedra, scalp scales will appear. Regardless of the type of tinea capitis, it is crucial to treat it promptly to prevent spreading.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Is tinea capitis prone to recurrence?

Tinea capitis is a skin disease that is prone to recurrence. It is caused by a fungal infection of the hair follicles on the scalp. It is recommended to treat tinea capitis with antifungal cleansers and, if necessary, complement the treatment with oral antifungal medications. During the illness, it is important to maintain a light diet, consume plenty of vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins, and avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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What shampoo is used for tinea capitis?

Tinea capitis is a highly contagious skin disease. If you are affected by tinea capitis, it is recommended to choose shampoos containing antifungal medications, such as ketoconazole shampoo. This disease is caused by a fungal infection and must be treated promptly. In addition to selecting the appropriate shampoo, you can also combine oral medicines and topical treatments. Diet should be light, avoiding foods that are overly stimulating or "fa-wu" (likely to exacerbate symptoms).

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Is shaving the head a good treatment for tinea capitis?

Shaving the head completely is very beneficial for the treatment of scalp ringworm. After shaving, the scalp is exposed, making it more effective to apply ointment directly on it. Besides, shaving the head facilitates easier scalp cleaning, maintaining dryness and hygiene. For treating scalp ringworm, apart from shaving the head, it is also recommended to take oral antifungal medications and supplement the diet with vitamin-rich foods.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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How to treat tinea capitis?

Tinea capitis, this disease can cause symptoms such as itching, scaling, crusting, and even thick discharge and erosion on the scalp. To treat tinea capitis, it is crucial to maintain cleanliness of the head, and to disinfect daily-used personal items. Furthermore, it is necessary to use topical antifungal medications. For severe cases of tinea capitis, oral medications like ketoconazole or clotrimazole may be required (use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor).

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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.