5-aminolevulinic acid-photodynamic therapy as a potential approach for kerion

Kerion is an inflammatory variant of tinea capitis that is caused by ringworm fungi (zoophilic dermatophytes). It often effects prepubertal children. Classically,antifungals are primarily used as therapeutic agents to treat kerion. However, many patients do not respond well to these agents and severe hepatotoxic side reactions may occur with the long-term use of such drugs. New therapeutic approaches are needed. Here, we report a juvenile case of kerion successfully treated by ALA-PDT (5-aminolevulinic acid-photodynamic therapy) after the failure of a 4-week course of itraconazole and terbinafine. We find three published cases of kerion in the literature, all of which were successfully cured by application of ALA-PDT, highlighting a potentially superior therapeutic choice for kerion treatment.