Epidemiology, clinical features, and outcome of the hospitalized patients with Kerion in Fars Province, Iran: an eleven-year retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Kerion, a severe inflammatory type of tinea capitis, presents with purulent, boggy swelling and alopecia. Few articles in the literature provide information on this uncommon manifestation of tinea capitis (TC). This study aimed to determine the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients with Kerion over an 11-year period in an inpatient setting. METHODS: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, we enrolled all the admitted patients with inflammatory TC in the dermatology department of Shahid Faghihi referral hospital during 2011-2022. The data included demographic factors, animal contact, treatment, outcome, and past medical profiles. We used STATA 14.2 to analyze the data. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-two patients with Kerion were enrolled in to the study. the mean age of patients was 7.6 ± 5.8 years. Boys (82.5%, n = 109) significantly outnumbered girls (17.5%, n = 23), and 82.2% of patients were under 11 years of age. Eight patients were one to two years old, two were infants under one year old, and five were adults. More than half (52.2%) of the patients were from rural areas. Most of the cases had heavily utilized systemic antifungal therapy, antibiotics, and corticosteroids. In addition, 43 patients reported positive animal contact. Over the course of an eleven-year period, there was a downward trend in the number of hospitalized patients. CONCLUSION: We report one of the largest studies on Kerion patients over an eleven-year period. We have expanded the information on Kerion patients' epidemiology, transmission mode, and clinical outcomes. To develop preventative strategies for Kerion, future studies should focus on additional risk factors and individual susceptibilities.

Clinical Consequences of Delayed Treatment for Tinea Capitis (Ringworm of the Scalp): A Case Report.

A 6-year-old Hispanic patient presented with a 1-month history of pruritic patches on her scalp, characterized by hair loss, black dots, and dandruff-like scales. The patient was seen by her primary care physician, who prescribed ketoconazole 2% shampoo. This provided little relief for her symptoms, which prompted her admission to nearby hospital, where fluconazole was administered intravenously and mometasone lotion applied. The patient was discharged and instructed to use the ketoconazole shampoo and mometasone lotion. The previously prescribed medications failed to improve her now enlarged, inflamed, scaly, pustule-speckled lesions. Given her condition, she was admitted to the University Pediatric Hospital in San Juan, where the Dermatology Department was consulted. Cultures were taken from the lesions, revealing the presence of Trichophyton tonsurans, which led to the diagnosis of tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp) with kerion formation. In addition, multiple nits and adult lice characteristic of Pediculus humanus capitis were observed. A 6-week course of griseofulvin, a 1-week course of permethrin solution, and a 5-day course of oral prednisolone were started, effectively cleared the patient's inflammation and fungal infection. This case highlights how there exist areas of improvement in terms of interprofessional communication between physicians, as well a need to increase awareness of the proper treatment for this common pediatric skin condition. We postulate that in doing so, similar cases could be spared the unfortunate results of untreated tinea capitis, that is, kerion formation and the possible scarring this lesion can produce.

Understanding Kerion Celsi in Children: Diagnosis and Therapeutic Guidelines Through an Algorithm.

Kerion celsi (KC), known as scalp ringworm, is the most common dermatophytosis in children. In Mexico, it ranks fourth among dermatophytoses, with a frequency of 4%-10%. KC is the inflammatory variety of tinea capitis (TC), with the most common causative agents being Microsporum canis and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. We present the clinical case of a six-year-old male diagnosed with KC. Direct examination stained with chlorazol black and cultures were performed, yielding negative results. Histopathological study revealed spores and short hyphae within and surrounding the hair shaft. Treatment with itraconazole was initiated based on suspicion of Microsporum spp. from the trichoscopy findings. We propose a diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm for kerion celsi.

Comprehensive Review of Tinea Capitis in Adults: Epidemiology, Risk Factors, Clinical Presentations, and Management.

Tinea capitis is a fungal infection of the scalp and hair caused by dermatophyte molds, that most often affects children and may also affect adults. Previous estimates suggest that between 3% and 11% of all tinea capitis cases worldwide occur in adults, although updated epidemiological studies are needed to reassess the prevalence of tinea capitis in adult populations specifically. Postmenopausal adult women are most often affected by tinea capitis, with African American or Black women particularly at risk. Adults who experience crowded living conditions, who live in close proximity to animals, who are immunosuppressed, and/or who live in households with affected children are at greatest risk of infection. Tinea capitis can be non-inflammatory or inflammatory in nature, and the subtype affects the extent and severity of clinical symptoms. Fungal culture and potassium hydroxide preparations are the most commonly used diagnostic tools. Trichoscopy, defined as dermoscopic imaging of the scalp and hair, is a useful adjunct to the physical examination. The mainstay of therapy is oral antifungal therapy, and topical therapy alone is not recommended. Since tinea capitis infection is uncommon in adults, there are no widely accepted treatment guidelines. Rather, the same medications used for tinea capitis infection among children are recommended for adults at varying doses, including griseofulvin, and terbinafine, and, less commonly, itraconazole and fluconazole. The prognosis for tinea capitis in adults is typically excellent when prompt and adequate treatment is administered; however, delayed diagnosis or inadequate treatment can result in scarring alopecia. Over the past decade, dermatophyte infections resistant to treatment with topical and oral antifungal agents have emerged. While tinea capitis infections resistant to antifungal therapy have been rarely reported to date, antifungal resistance is rising among superficial fungal infections in general, and antifungal stewardship is necessary to ensure that resistance to treatment does not develop among dermatophytes that cause tinea capitis.

Querión de Celso: a propósito de un caso

Divulgamos el caso de Queiron de Celso del cuero cabelludo en una niña de 6 años, procedente de área urbana con antecedente patológico de tiña capitis. La tiña de la cabeza, tinea capitis o dermatofitosis es una infección fúngica causada por hongos, denominados «dermatofitos». El querión es una manifestación grave de tinea capitis que resulta de una intensa respuesta inmune a la infección y caracteriza por el desarrollo de una placa inflamatoria con pústulas, costras gruesas y/o drenaje.

We report the case of Queiron de Celso of the scalp in a 6-year-old girl from an urban area with a pathologic history of tinea capitis. Tinea capitis or dermatophytosis is a fungal infection caused by fungi called "dermatophytes". Kerion is a severe manifestation of tinea capitis resulting from an intense immune response to infection and characterized by the development of an inflammatory plaque with pustules, thick crusts and/or drainage.

Photodynamic therapy combined with antifungal drugs against kerion: A report of six cases and literature review.

Kerion, a severe manifestation of tinea capitis caused by dermatophytes, is a fungal skin disease primarily affecting children. This report discusses six cases of pediatric kerion that were successfully treated with a combination of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and antifungal agents. Additionally, we conducted a literature review, identifying and analyzing six published reports on kerion and tinea capitis. The characteristics and efficacies of these cases are summarized. In summary, early combination therapy and proactive pre-treatment interventions proved effective in maximizing therapeutic outcomes, reducing disease duration and minimizing adverse reactions such as cicatricial alopecia. This approach has emerged as a favorable choice for the treatment of kerion.

Case Report: Diagnosing Dermatophytoses in Children.

Dermatophytoses of the skin and scalp are common disorders in the pediatric population. The resemblance of the clinical presentation to other dermatoses can make fungal infections challenging to diagnose. We present three cases of dermatophytoses in children. The presence of fungi within skin lesions was confirmed in all cases. The diagnoses were "id" reaction in response to Trichophyton tonsurans infection, Kerion celsi because of Microsporum canis infection, and hair loss during microsporosis. Based on our review and clinical experience, we suggest diagnostic paths and treatments for dermatophytoses in children.

A Current Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge: Tinea Capitis.

Tinea capitis is a dermatophyte scalp infection with a marked prevalence among the pediatric population. However, in the last few years, its epidemiology has changed due to increasing population migration worldwide. Host-specific and environmental factors contribute to the pathogenesis of tinea capitis. Clinically, tinea capitis may present as a subtle hair loss accompanied by scalp scaling, alopecia with scaly patches, or alopecia with black dots. A more severe form of tinea capitis is represented by kerion celsi, which clinically presents as a tender plaque covered by pustules and crusts. If left untreated, this dermatophytic infection may resolve with permanent scarring and alopecia. The pathological changes found in tinea capitis are reflected by a spectrum of clinical changes. Zoophilic infections typically prompt an extensive inflammatory reaction, while anthropophilic dermatophytoses often lack inflammation and result in more persistent lesions. Tinea capitis typically requires systemic antifungal therapy. Griseofulvin, terbinafine, itraconazole, and fluconazole are the main antifungal agents used. Currently, the duration of antifungal therapy varies based on the clinical presentation and type of dermatophyte involved. Through the reported cases and literature review, we aim to emphasize the importance of the early recognition of atypical variants of tinea capitis in immunocompetent children for the prompt initiation of systemic antifungal therapy, minimizing the need for prolonged treatment. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of regular laboratory testing during systemic antifungal therapy, particularly liver enzyme tests, to prevent adverse events, especially in cases requiring long-term treatment.

Severe kerion Celsi caused by Trichophyton quinckeanum: Severe kerion Celsi due to Trichophyton quinckeanum.

We report a severe case of kerion Celsi of the scalp in a previously healthy 13-year-old girl due to Trichophyton quinckeanum, an emerging dermatophyte species in Europe. The species was definitely identified by DNA sequencing and the patient was successfully treated by oral terbinafine for 6 weeks. Kerion Celsi is a severe inflammatory form of tinea capitis, which is characterised by a purulent discharge and alopecia [1]. It typically occurs in children infected with zoophilic dermatophytes, such as Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and an increasing number of cases caused by other Trichophyton species has recently been reported [2]. Herein we report a severe case of kerion Celsi of the scalp caused by the emerging species Trichophyton quinckeanum, which was successfully treated by oral antifungal.

5-aminolevulinic acid-based photodynamic therapy in combination with antifungal agents for adult kerion and facial ulcer caused by Trichophyton rubrum.

Dermatophytosis is the most common fungal infectious disease in the world, which is commonly caused by Trichophyton rubrum in China. The traditional therapies for treating dermatophytosis include topical and oral antifungal agents like terbinafine, griseofulvin, and azole antifungal drugs. However, 5-aminolevulinic acid-based photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) as a new alternative therapy avoids the side effects and drug resistance of traditional antifungal agents. We report two cases diagnosed as kerion and tinea faciei secondary to ulcers with CARD 9 deficiency, both of whom were infected by T.rubrum. They were both successfully treated by ALA-PDT combined with antifungal drugs, providing a feasible strategy for therapeutic choice for adult kerion and ulcer treatment.

5-aminolevulinic acid-photodynamic therapy for a refractory severe kerion: A case report.

Kerion is a subtype of tinea capitis with a severe inflammatory response, requiring early diagnosis to prevent secondary bacterial infection, folliculitis and permanent alopecia. Oral antifungal drugs are considered the first-line treatment for tinea capitis; however, drugs therapy is challenged by the long treatment duration, side effects, and drug resistance. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been widely used to treat dermatomycosis and has shown significant efficacy in recent years. We report the case of a girl who presented with refractory severe kerion following unregulated treatment and insensitivity to itraconazole; however,she was cured with 5-aminolevulinic acid-PDT. The case showed that PDT is a potentially promising alternative treatment for cutaneous fungal infections.

A Case of Kerion Celsi due to Trichophyton tonsurans.

The patient was a 13-year-old boy who was a member of the judo club at his junior high school. Approximately 1 week prior to his presentation, he developed multiple erythematous pilaris papules on his occipital area and was treated by a local doctor. The erythematous lesions expanded to 10 × 10 cm, showing granulation with drainage and strong spontaneous pain. At this point, he visited our hospital. He was diagnosed with kerion celsi due to Trichophyton tonsurans by fungal examination. The patient was treated with terbinafine (125 mg/day) for 6 weeks, and a brush test at 6 weeks was negative. All 18 members of the judo club, including this patient, were investigated; brush tests were positive in 4 cases, and one was positive for tinea corporis alone. The patient's family members parents were both negative. When an athlete is diagnosed with ringworm, T. tonsurans infection should be considered, and testing and treatment of family members and fellow athletes should be carried out to prevent the spread of infection.

The Epidemiology of Tinea Capitis in Guangxi Province, China.

The aim of this study was to analyze the epidemiological characteristics and pathogen spectrum of tinea capitis in Guangxi, southern China. A multicenter prospective descriptive study was conducted in 8 hospitals across Guangxi. From January 2019 to July 2022, one hundred seventy-one (171) patients diagnosed with tinea capitis were included. Demographic data, risk factors, and fungal data were collected. If necessary, species were further identified by morphological or molecular sequencing in the central laboratory. Of the 171 cases of tinea capitis, 74.3% occurred in patients aged 2-8 years. Children with tinea capitis were mainly boys (59.6%) and were more likely than adults to have a history of animal contact (44.2% vs. 33.3%) and zoophilic dermatophyte infection (76.9% vs. 46.7%, P = 0.008). The adults were mainly female (53%) and were more likely than children to have a history of infection with anthropophilic organisms (53.3% vs. 18.9%). The causative agents of tinea capitis in Guangxi were diverse, and the most common pathogen was Microsporum canis (M. cani, n = 98, 62%), followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes (T. mentagrophytes n = 18, 11.4%) and Trichophyton tonsurans (T. tonsurans n = 12, 7.6%). In addition, tinea capitis caused by Nannizzia incurvata (N. incurvata) and Trichophyton verrucosum (T. verrucosum) was detected in the study. Notably, the proportion of patients with kerion in the study was 41.5% (n = 71), and most of those patients were children (n = 68), especially neglected children living in the rural mountainous areas of Guangxi, where they were unable to receive timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment. In conclusion, the causative agents of tinea capitis in Guangxi, South China, are diverse, and the incidence of kerion is high, indicating that diagnosis and treatment modalities in the region remain grossly inadequate. Clinicians and policy-makers should collaborate to adopt public health strategies to control the disease.

Progressão infantil de tinea capitis, kerion celsi e infecção secundária bacteriana cutânea com hemocultura positiva para s. Aureus ­ relato de caso / Infant progression of tinea capitis, kerion celsi and secondary bacterial skin infection with positive blood culture s. Aureus - case report

Introdução: A Tinea Capitis (TC) é uma dermatofitose que tem como evolução grave a forma Kerion Celsi (KC). Clinicamente, é caracterizada por manifestações tonsurantes e inflamatórias; diagnosticada por achados clínicos e laboratoriais, como micológico direto com KOH, tricoscopia e cultura fúngica. É utilizado no tratamento de TC antifúngicos sistêmicos por seis a oito semanas. Nesse caso houve associação de infecção secundária por Staphylococcus aureus, caracterizando um quadro atípico, raro. Objetivo: Relatar o caso, pouco descrito na literatura, de criança com Tinea Capitis (TC) com Kerion Celsi (KC) e bacteremia por contaminação secundária local e sistêmica de Staphylococcus aureus. Relato do caso: Paciente feminino, 5 anos, com manchas hiperemiadas, descamativas e pruriginosas de crescimento centrífugo em face, com surgimento de lesões circulares e pelos tonsurados em couro cabeludo que, após uso de antifúngico oral, houve inflamação aguda e saída de secreção. Apesar do tratamento independente domiciliar, com Betametasona e Cetoconazol creme e Cetoconazol 2% xampu, houve involução da lesão de face e ampliação da área de alopecia. Com a procura médica, iniciou tratamento sistêmico com Griseofulvina, seguido de antibioticoterapia oral por quadro bacteriano secundário em couro cabeludo. Houve linfonodomegalia cervical e intensificação do prurido e secreção. Foi internada para análise clínica e laboratorial, com antibioticoterapia endovenosa de amplo espectro: Ceftriaxona e Clindamicina. Colhida cultura da lesão e hemocultura, definiu-se, em ambas, S. aureus. Devido à resistência bacteriana, ocorreu troca para Cefazolina endovenosa. Na alta, a paciente seguiu com apoio dermatológico semanal e Griseofulvina, havendo a troca do antifúngico por Terbinafina. Conclusão: Quadro atípico e raro com progressão para bacteremia. O alerta para o diagnóstico precoce possibilita tratamento oral adequado e menor impacto da doença na qualidade de vida, evitando-se a contaminação secundária bacteriana

Introduction: Tinea Capitis (TC) is a dermatophytosis that has as severe evolution the form Kerion Celsi (KC). Clinically, it is characterized by tonsuring and inflammatory manifestations; diagnosed by clinical and laboratory findings, such as direct mycological with KOH, trichoscopy and fungal culture. It is used in the treatment of systemic antifungal CT for six to eight weeks. In this case there was an association of secondary infection by Staphylococcus aureus, characterizing an atypical, rare condition. Objective: To report the case, little described in the literature, of a child with Tinea Capitis (TC) with Kerion Celsi (KC) and bacteremia due to local and systemic secondary contamination of Staphylococcus aureus. Case report: Female patient, 5 years old, with hyperaemic, scaling and pruritic spots of centrifugal growth on the face, with the appearance of circular lesions and tonsure on the scalp that, after use of oral antifungal, there was acute inflammation and discharge of secretion. Despite the independent home treatment, with Betamethasone and Ketoconazole cream and Ketoconazole 2% shampoo, there was involution of the face injury and enlargement of the area of alopecia. With medical demand, he started systemic treatment with Griseofulvin, followed by oral antibiotic therapy for secondary bacterial condition in the scalp. There was cervical lymph node enlargement and intensification of pruritus and secretion. She was hospitalized for clinical and laboratory analysis, with broad spectrum intravenous antibiotic therapy: Ceftriaxone and Clindamycin. Culture of the lesion and blood culture, was defined in both S. aureus. Due to bacterial resistance, there was exchange for intravenous Cefazolin. At discharge, the patient followed with weekly dermatological support and Griseofulvin, with the exchange of antifungal by Terbinafine. Conclusion: Atypical and rare condition with progression to bacteremia. Early diagnosis provides adequate oral treatment and less impact of the disease on quality of life, avoiding secondary bacterial contamination

Introducción: La Tinea Capitis (TC) es una dermatofitosis cuya evolución severa es la forma Kerion Celsi (KC). Clínicamente se caracteriza por manifestaciones amigdalizantes e inflamatorias; se diagnostica por hallazgos clínicos y de laboratorio, como micología directa con KOH, tricoscopia y cultivo fúngico. Se utiliza en el tratamiento de la TC antifúngica sistémica durante seis a ocho semanas. En este caso se asoció infección secundaria por Staphylococcus aureus, caracterizando una condición atípica y rara. Objetivo: Reportar el caso, poco descrito en la literatura, de un niño con Tinea Capitis (TC) con Kerion Celsi (KC) y bacteriemia por contaminación secundaria local y sistémica de Staphylococcus aureus. Caso clínico: Paciente femenino, de 5 años de edad, con placas hiperémicas, descamativas y pruriginosas de crecimiento centrífugo en la cara, con aparición de lesiones circulares y pelo tonsurado en el cuero cabelludo que, luego de utilizar un antifúngico oral, presentó inflamación aguda y salida de secreciones. A pesar del tratamiento independiente domiciliario, con crema de Betametasona y Ketoconazol y shampoo de Ketoconazol al 2%, se presentó involución de la lesión facial y agrandamiento del área de alopecia. Con la búsqueda médica se inició tratamiento sistémico con Griseofulvina, seguido de antibioticoterapia oral por una afección bacteriana secundaria en el cuero cabelludo. Había agrandamiento de los ganglios linfáticos cervicales y aumento del prurito y la secreción. Ingresa para análisis clínicos y de laboratorio, con antibioticoterapia endovenosa de amplio espectro: Ceftriaxona y Clindamicina. Tras la recogida de cultivo de la lesión y hemocultivo, se definió S. aureus en ambos. Debido a la resistencia bacteriana, hubo un cambio a cefazolina intravenosa. Al alta, la paciente continuó con soporte dermatológico semanal y Griseofulvina, reemplazándose el antifúngico por Terbinafina. Conclusión: Condición atípica y rara con progresión a bacteriemia. La alerta para el diagnóstico precoz permite un adecuado tratamiento oral y menor impacto de la enfermedad en la calidad de vida, evitando contaminaciones bacterianas secundarias

Kerion Celsi due to Microsporum canis in an Adult Woman, Treated Successfully with Fosravuconazole.

A 64-year-old woman presented with a fist-sized, severely painful lesion with scales, crusts, pustules, erythema with subcutaneous abscess, and hair loss on the left temporal region. Direct microscopic examination revealed a large number of spores around the hair, which indicated ectothrix hair invasion, and some hyphae were also found. Histopathological examination showed significant inflammatory cell infiltration from the dermis to the subcutaneous tissues and into the hair follicles, destruction of the hair follicles with granulomatous reactions, and fungal masses along the hair within the hair follicles. Microsporum canis was identified based on morphological features via culture method and molecular biological analysis of the internal transcribed spacer region DNA sequence. The patient was diagnosed with kerion celsi caused by M. canis. For treatment of kerion celsi, we chose an oral antifungal agent, fosravuconazole (FRVCZ), which has been available since 2018 only in Japan. Clinical symptoms were cured in 12 weeks without scarring. No side effects were observed during oral administration of FRVCZ. The results of our case and several previous reports suggest that FRVCZ is effective in treating various types of dermatomycoses.

Pediatric Tinea Capitis: A Retrospective Cohort Study from 2010 to 2021.

Pediatric tinea capitis displays a wide range of prevalence, with significant variability among populations. We retrospectively extracted the medical records of 456 pediatric patients diagnosed with tinea capitis during the years 2010-2021, from the dermatology outpatient clinics in two tertiary medical centers. Three species were isolated in 90% of patients: T. tonsurans, M. canis, and T. violaceum. While T. tonsurans presented a six-fold increase in incidence during the years 2019-2021, M. canis maintained stable incidence rates. Furthermore, terbinafine was the most efficient antifungal agent against T. tonsurans, achieving complete clinical clearance in 95% of patients, as compared to fluconazole (68%) and griseofulvin (38%) (p < 0.001). The mycological cure was recorded in 61/90 (68%) of patients with available data, at an average of 10 weeks. For patients with M. canis, griseofulvin and fluconazole were equally efficient (73% and 66%, respectively) (p = 0.44). Kerion was described in 36% and 14% of patients with T. tonsurans and M. canis, respectively, (p < 0.001). In conclusion, since 2019, there has been a significant increase in the prevalence of T. tonsurans, establishing this pathogen as the most common cause for tinea capitis in our population. Our data suggest that terbinafine is effective and presents high cure rates for tinea capitis in the pediatric population.

Histopathology in the Diagnosis of Tinea Capitis: When to Do, How to Interpret?

The diagnosis of tinea capitis is usually made by clinical signs and direct microscopic examination. Early diagnosis of this dermatophytic infection, which may cause permanent hair loss if not treated appropriately, is very crucial. In recent years, the use of dermoscopy has helped with early diagnosis. However, when tinea capitis has an atypical course and develops in adulthood, it can be confused with several diseases, such as psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, folliculitis decalvans, acne keloidalis, and dissecting cellulitis. Due to the different treatment approaches and prognoses, it is important to distinguish tinea capitis from invasive dermatoses on the scalp. In this article, histopathological findings of tinea capitis and several advantages and disadvantages of histopathology in the diagnosis of fungal infections are also reviewed and updated.

Adult Kerion Celsi Caused by Trichophyton tonsurans Secondary to Black Dot Tinea Capitis.

A 34-year-old female patient presented with hair loss due to black dot tinea capitis caused by Trichophyton tonsurans for 6 months. Hair loss progressed to painful swelling for 2 months due to kerion Celsi which may be associated with treatment like topical minoxidil, antibiotic and corticosteroid previously. The patient was treated with oral Itraconazole initially without success but cured by Terbinafine eventually. It's very interesting that the patient caught kerion celsi secondary to a four-month history of hair loss due to black dot tinea capitis.