Tinea Capitis vs Traction Alopecia

Ringworm of the scalp and hair shafts, usually in children. Hair loss caused by repeated tension on hair follicles.

Research updated 2026-10-23

AI-generated educational illustration: Hair thinning and broken hairs along the frontotemporal margins next to tight braids, representing traction alopecia.

Key differences What is it?What it looks like Diagrams When it starts Triggers Daily Care Treatment Outlook Complications When to get help Questions

Key differences

The same eight facts on every condition comparison.

Usual age

3 to 10

Any age

Where

Scalp

Hairline, temples

Main sign

Scaly patches with broken hairs

Thinning where hair is pulled

Itch or pain

Itchy

Tender when styled tight

Contagious

Yes

Long term

Clears with antifungal tablets

Reversible early, permanent late

Scars

Rarely

Late stage

Who gets it

Young children

Tight braids, ponytails, extensions

What is it?

Tinea Capitis

Traction Alopecia

What is it?

What it is
Ringworm of the scalp and hair shafts, usually in children.

What it is
Hair loss caused by repeated tension on hair follicles.

What it looks like

Tinea Capitis

A localized scaly scalp patch with short broken hairs and dark stubs.

Scale and broken hairs A scaly patch contains short broken hairs and dark hair stubs.

A raised inflamed scalp plaque with sparse broken hairs, scale and small pustules.

Kerion A swollen, inflamed scalp plaque has sparse broken hairs and small pustules.

Traction Alopecia

Braided hair with thinning at the temple and front hairline.

Traction Alopecia The temples show reduced hair density beside tightly pulled braids.

Skin tones

In the skin

Dermatophyte fungi infect scalp hairs and nearby keratin-containing skin. Hair-shaft damage and the surrounding inflammation can produce broken hairs or patches of hair loss.

Repeated pulling places stress on hair follicles and can disrupt hair growth. Early injury may recover, but longstanding traction can destroy follicles and leave scarring.

When it usually starts

010203040506070+

Tinea Capitis. Most common before puberty; adults can also be affected.

Traction Alopecia. Can start at any age with repeated tension.

Causes and triggers

Causes

Dermatophyte fungi infect keratin-containing skin or hair.

Chronic traction injures follicles; early damage can be reversible but longstanding damage can scar.

Risk factors

Contact with an infected person or animal, Fungal infection elsewhere

Tight braids or ponytails, Heavy extensions

Trigger

● Tinea Capitis

● Traction Alopecia

Fungal exposure

Can contribute

Not listed

Sharing contaminated items

Can contribute

Not listed

Repeated hairstyle tension

Not listed

Can contribute

Daily Care

Tinea Capitis

Traction Alopecia

Daily care

Habits that help

Keep the affected area gently clean and dry
Pat rather than rub and change clothing or headwear that stays damp.
Keep towels, combs, brushes and razors for your own use
Wash shared fabrics and clean personal tools to reduce spread.
Wash hands after touching affected skin
Avoid scratching or moving fungal material to other areas.
Complete the prescribed antifungal plan
Symptoms may improve before infection has fully cleared.
Follow the oral-treatment plan and household advice
Shampoo alone cannot cure scalp ringworm; contacts or pets may need assessment.
Follow the tinea capitis care plan
Avoid sharing towels, combs or razors. Keep the area clean and follow the full treatment course.
Transmission-reducing measures
Do not share combs or razors. Antifungal shampoo may be an adjunct for scalp infection, not a cure by itself.

Avoid

Avoid: Steroid cream alone on a suspected fungal rash
It can hide the appearance and allow infection to spread.
Avoid: Relying on hygiene alone to clear the infection
Persistent disease needs the correct diagnosis and antifungal treatment.

Habits that help

Loosen any hairstyle that pulls or hurts
Stop tension early; persistent pulling can permanently damage follicles.
Choose loose styles and lighter extensions
Give affected edges and part lines a break from repeated tension.
Handle thinning areas gently when washing and detangling
Use a gentle routine rather than vigorous brushing or scalp massage.
Protect exposed scalp from the sun
Use a comfortable hat that does not pull the hair or sunscreen on exposed skin.
Discuss hair-loss assessment
Active inflammation or uncertain diagnosis needs a dermatologist’s plan before adding medicines.

Avoid

Avoid: Tight braids, ponytails or heavy extensions
Pain, bumps and tenderness mean a style is too tight.
Avoid: Repeated heat or chemical processing on fragile hair
Seek assessment for ongoing loss, scalp inflammation or smooth scarred areas.

Treatment differences

Evidence labels come from each condition’s own treatment list.

Treatment

● Tinea Capitis

● Traction Alopecia

Treatment approach

—

Remove the pulling force by changing tight or heavy hairstyles. Early assessment can identify inflammation or permanent follicle damage and guide any additional treatment.

Prescription pills

Oral antifungal treatment

Listed

Scalp or beard hair infection usually needs oral therapy; choice depends on organism, age and medical history.

None listed

Outlook

Long term

Scalp ringworm usually clears with an appropriate oral antifungal course. Hair often regrows, but severe inflammatory infection can cause permanent loss, making early treatment important.

Early traction-related loss may regrow after pulling stops. Long-standing tension can destroy follicles and leave permanent loss, so continuing thinning or scalp inflammation deserves early assessment.