Abstract: Tinea capitis is a superficial fungal infection of the hair and scalp caused by dermatophytes, which is more common in children and postmenopausal women. The pathogenesis of tinea capitis involves the invasion mechanism of dermatophytes, the interaction between dermatophytes and host immunity, and the influence of scalp microecological imbalance, especially the change of sebaceous gland function and microbial community disorder on the occurrence and development of tinea capitis. This paper review the pathogenesis of tinea capitis from various aspects, and provide scientific basis for the development of new prevention and treatment strategies.

Key words: tinea capitis, dermatophytes, immune response, scalp microecology, pathogenesis