Is tinea capitis a skin disease?

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on September 22, 2024
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Tinea capitis is a type of skin disease, a highly contagious disease caused by fungal infections. It troubles many patients not only because of its high contagiousness but also because it significantly affects the quality of life. The most susceptible group for tinea capitis is children. There are many triggering factors for the disease, such as lack of cleanliness usual, the use of shared towels in public places, etc. Additionally, having diseases like tinea pedis or tinea cruris could also lead to 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.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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How can tinea capitis be treated to eradicate it completely?

To achieve a radical cure for tinea capitis, it is first necessary to consider the extent of the condition. If the affected area is not very large, then topical medications may suffice. Common choices for antifungal topical medications include Terbinafine Hydrochloride Cream, Luliconazole Cream, Oxiconazole Nitrate Cream, or Ketoconazole Cream. If the tinea capitis is progressing and there is significant damage to the hair in the affected area, oral medication may be required for treatment. However, liver and kidney function tests should be conducted prior to this. If liver and kidney functions are normal, options include oral Itraconazole Dispersible Tablets, Terbinafine Hydrochloride Tablets, or Fluconazole Capsules. If the local hair condition is severe, it may be necessary to timely shave the head while ensuring cleanliness and hygiene of the scalp during treatment.

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Dermatology
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There are several types of tinea capitis.

According to the pathogens and symptoms, tinea capitis is divided into four types. The first type is yellow tinea, where yellow crusts appear on the scalp. Without treatment, it can lead to atrophic scars and permanent hair loss. The second type is white tinea; the third type is black tinea; the fourth type is purulent tinea, which shows symptoms similar to folliculitis. Therefore, no matter which type of tinea capitis it is, timely antifungal treatment is essential.

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Tinea Capitis Clinical Symptoms

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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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.