Abstract

SILVA, Inês Vaz et al. Two case reports of kerion by trichophyton mentagrophytes. Nascer e Crescer [online]. 2012, vol.21, n.4, pp.237-240. ISSN 0872-0754.

Introduction: Kerion celsi is the rare and inflammatory form of tinea capitis which is caused by dermatophyte fungi. Diagnosis is not easy due to the delay in cultural examination and the need to consider various etiologies in the differential diagnosis. Treatment must be prolonged and requires systemic antifungals. Since griseofulvin was discontinued in the Portuguese market, it has been necessary to consider therapeutic alternatives. Case report: We present two children with painful exsudative lesions of the scalp with exuberant inflammatory reaction, local alopecia and fever. Bacteriological culture was negative and Trichophyton mentagrophytes was isolated in mycological culture. Patients were treated with intravenous flucloxacillin, oral antifungals (griseofulvin and itraconazole) topical antifungal and corticosteroid. The outcome was favourable, with a residual alopecia area. Conclusion: These cases stand out for their rarity and illustrate the clinical exuberance and the difficulties in diagnosis and treatment of this entity. An early diagnosis, the identification and treatment of the infection source and health monitoring measures are critical for the infection control.

Keywords : Kerion celsi; tinea capitis; trichophyton.

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