There are four types of tinea capitis.

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on January 29, 2025
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Tinea capitis, this disease is classified into several types, mainly four:

First, yellow tinea, also known as convex sores. Second, white tinea, which often spreads among schools and urban daycares, primarily through infection by rusty spore fungi. Third, black dot tinea, which is less common than white and yellow tinea. Fourth, pustular tinea, where patients often experience swollen lymph nodes and general symptoms.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Does tinea capitis itch?

Tinea capitis is a common superficial fungal infection of the skin, divided into types such as yellow tinea and white tinea, which are contagious. Tinea capitis causes itchy symptoms, and in addition to itching, there may also be symptoms such as increased dandruff, and skin discoloration to white or yellow, often accompanied by scales. Once tinea capitis occurs, it is essential to timely treat it with antifungal medications and to maintain cleanliness and dryness of the scalp, developing good hygiene habits. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Is tinea capitis a skin disease?

Tinea capitis, a type of skin disease, is a superficial fungal infection treated in the dermatology department and is commonly seen in children. There are four types of tinea capitis: yellow tinea, white tinea, black tinea, and pus tinea. It spreads through contact, including both indirect and direct contact, and is highly contagious. For those diagnosed with tinea capitis, treatments such as hair plucking and antifungal medications are recommended (medication should be used under the guidance of a physician).

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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What does tinea capitis look like?

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 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.

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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.