Will tinea capitis be contagious if someone touches it?

Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
Updated on February 09, 2025
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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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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 Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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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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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.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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What should be noted about tinea capitis?

After suffering from tinea capitis, it is essential to pay attention to the following points: First, maintain the hygiene and cleanliness of the scalp, and wash your hair frequently. Secondly, avoid eating overly spicy, stimulating, and greasy foods, eat less salt, and consume more fresh vegetables and fruits. Lastly, it is advised to use official medications for treatment, such as antifungal drugs. If the treatment does not result in improvement, be sure to visit a hospital promptly.

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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.