Can tinea capitis be transmitted to other people?

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on April 05, 2025
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Tinea capitis can indeed be contagious to others, as it is a superficial fungal infection that is highly contagious. Transmission of tinea capitis generally occurs through direct or indirect contact, such as during haircuts or sharing personal items. The groups most susceptible to this infection are generally children and adults with lower immune resistance. Therefore, it is crucial to receive prompt treatment for tinea capitis and to use separate towels, bath towels, and washcloths from others.

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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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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.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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What are the symptoms of tinea capitis?

Tinea capitis commonly presents with numerous symptoms, such as an abundance of dandruff, itchy scalp, formation of crusty pustules, and scaling. There are four types of tinea capitis, each differing slightly in symptoms. For example, yellow tinea can lead to atrophic scarring and permanent hair loss; white tinea typically causes brittleness of hair, eczematous or herpetic lesions; black tinea often leaves behind follicular damage and scarring; finally, pustular tinea can lead to secondary bacterial infections with exudation and lesion formation.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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What causes tinea capitis?

The fundamental cause of tinea capitis is a fungal infection of the scalp and hair. The fungus mainly consists of various microsporum species, with the rust-red microsporum being the most common. Tinea capitis can be contracted through direct or indirect contact and is common among children and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of tinea capitis include dandruff, scabs, itching, and others. It is essential to promptly visit a dermatologist for fungal testing and treatment.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Foods to avoid with tinea capitis

Patients with tinea capitis need to avoid certain foods in their diet. First, do not eat foods that are high in fat, such as fatty meats and lard. Secondly, avoid spicy and irritating foods, as consuming overly spicy and irritating foods can increase dandruff and cause scalp itching, aggravating tinea capitis. Finally, do not eat chili peppers, mustard, raw onions, raw ginger, and alcoholic beverages, and be sure to maintain cleanliness and actively treat tinea capitis.