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Kerion Celsi: a clinical epidemiological study
Insights
This study on kerion Celsi in children found that early diagnosis and treatment of tinea capitis are crucial. Prompt intervention prevents permanent hair loss and scarring from this fungal scalp infection.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Mycology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Kerion Celsi is an inflammatory fungal infection of the scalp.
- It often develops as a complication of untreated or improperly treated tinea capitis.
- This condition can lead to significant scarring and permanent alopecia if not managed effectively.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case series of kerion Celsi observed over a 15-year period.
- To analyze the clinical presentation, causative agents, and treatment outcomes.
- To emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate management.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case record analysis of 31 pediatric patients with kerion Celsi.
- Identification of causative fungal species (Microsporum canis and Trichophyton mentagrophytes).
- Review of systemic treatments administered (griseofulvin, ketoconazole, terbinafine).
Main Results:
- 31 children (40 days to 12 years) were studied, with lesions confined to the scalp.
- 21 cases were inflammatory evolutions of tinea capitis due to incongruous topical treatment.
- Microsporum canis (22 cases) and Trichophyton mentagrophytes (9 cases) were the primary pathogens. Complete recovery was achieved in 25-30 days with systemic therapy, with no relapses.
Conclusions:
- Early diagnosis and prompt, effective systemic treatment are essential for managing kerion Celsi.
- Timely intervention prevents complications such as scarring and permanent hair loss.
- Appropriate antifungal therapy leads to complete recovery without recurrence.
Abstract:
We present a case record of patients with kerion Celsi observed in the Clinic of Dermatology, University of Cagliari (Italy) from 1981 to 1995. Altogether, 31 children (18 male and 13 female) with an age range of 40 days to 12 years were studied. In all cases the lesions were confined to the scalp. In 10 cases the disease developed as such, while in 21 patients it represented the inflammatory evolution of tinea capitis secondary to incongruous topical treatment. Microsporum canis was isolated in 22 cases and Trichophyton mentagrophytes in nine cases. Systemic treatment was carried out in 20 patients with griseofulvin, in six with ketoconazole and in five with terbinafine. Complete recovery was obtained in 25-30 days. No cases of relapse were observed. The authors stress the importance of an early diagnosis followed by timely and effective treatment to prevent scarring and permanent hair loss.