Symptoms of tinea capitis

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on September 25, 2024
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The symptoms of tinea capitis vary according to the type. Tinea capitis is classified into types such as yellow tinea, white tinea, black tinea, and dragon tinea. Yellow tinea is characterized by the presence of yellow, scabby patches on the scalp with hair growing through the middle. Lifting these crusts reveals underlying erosion or ulcers. White tinea primarily presents as white, scaly patches, while black tinea appears similar to white tinea but features small black and white dots on the hair and scalp. Finally, dragon tinea is associated with swollen, boil-like elevations.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Symptoms of tinea capitis

Tinea capitis, a common skin disease, significantly impacts the quality of life of the affected individuals. The symptoms of tinea capitis mainly include flaking, visible spots, and mild itching on the scalp. In severe cases, symptoms can escalate to erosion, ulceration, crusting, and thickening. This disease is more common in children, and it is advised to treat promptly with antifungals, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and maintain good daily care and personal hygiene.

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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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Dermatology
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Can tinea capitis be transmitted through hands?

Tinea capitis, the disease in question, is transmissible through hands. It is a superficial fungal infection primarily affecting the scalp and hair, mainly caused by pathogens such as Microsporum ferrugineum and Trichophyton schoenleinii. Transmission can occur through contact with objects like hats, pillowcases, and towels that have been used by others. Additionally, if one has tinea manuum (fungal infection of the hand), it can also lead to the spread of tinea capitis.

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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.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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What causes tinea capitis?

The causes of tinea capitis are related to factors such as not paying attention to the cleanliness and hygiene of the scalp, malnutrition, and contact with other patients afflicted by tinea capitis. However, the most fundamental cause is fungal infection of the scalp and hair. There are many types of tinea capitis, such as yellow tinea, white tinea, and dragon tinea. Common pathogenic fungi include Trichophyton schoenleinii and Microsporum ferrugineum. After contracting tinea capitis, it is essential to seek timely treatment because this disease is contagious and the treatment duration tends to be relatively long.