Is tinea capitis contagious?

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on April 20, 2025
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Tinea capitis is contagious and highly infectious. It commonly occurs in children and is related to poor hygiene, inadequate cleaning of the scalp, and contact with other individuals or animals infected with tinea capitis. Once tinea capitis appears, it should be taken seriously and treated promptly. If left untreated, it could lead to severe consequences, such as permanent hair loss. Tinea capitis should be addressed by a dermatologist, and it is advised to seek medical attention promptly.

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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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Is tinea capitis contagious?

Tinea capitis is contagious and has a relatively strong infectivity. It is especially prone to infect infants, children, and people with compromised immune functions due to underlying diseases. It can be spread through contact, including both direct and indirect contacts. For instance, sharing towels or other personal hygiene items can lead to infection, and contact with animals such as cats or dogs that have dermatophytosis can also transmit the disease.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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Will tinea capitis be contagious if someone touches it?

If someone with tinea capitis briefly makes contact, it generally isn't contagious. If the skin is washed promptly with soapy water after contact, it will not lead to infection. It is important to maintain cleanliness, wash hands frequently, and wash hands thoroughly to minimize the risk of infection. Tinea capitis is a contagious skin disease caused by a superficial fungal infection of the scalp. Hats, pillows, and combs used by individuals with tinea capitis can have many fungi attached to them, and using these combs or wearing hats, using the pillows can easily lead to fungal infections. If tinea capitis occurs, it is important to use antifungal medications promptly for treatment. Under a doctor's guidance, using ketoconazole topical shampoo can be effective, and in severe cases, it may be necessary to combine this with oral antifungal medications for treatment.

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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 Zhang Jian Bo
Dermatology
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Can washing your hair with vinegar cure tinea capitis?

Washing the scalp with vinegar for tinea capitis can only play a minor treatment role and cannot cure it. Tinea capitis is a skin disease caused by fungal infections and requires treatment with antifungal medications. For example, topical application of clotrimazole cream or terbinafine cream can be used, along with antifungal shampoos such as selenium sulfide shampoo or ketoconazole shampoo. Patients with severe tinea capitis may also need oral medication treatment, such as taking itraconazole capsules or terbinafine tablets. It is advisable not to self-medicate tinea capitis, and systematic treatment should be sought at a hospital.