Kerion: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

What are the symptoms of kerion?

Kerion is a type of severe fungal infection of the scalp that typically occurs in individuals who have tinea capitis, a fungal infection of the scalp and hair follicles. The symptoms of kerion include:

1. Large, Swollen Lesions: Kerions are characterized by large, tender, and swollen lesions on the scalp. These lesions can be inflamed and filled with pus.
2. Pain and Tenderness: The affected areas are often painful and tender to the touch. They may feel warm due to inflammation.
3. Redness and Pus: The lesions appear red and may ooze pus or other fluids.
4. Hair Loss: Due to the inflammation and infection, hair loss can occur in the affected areas.
5. Itching: The scalp may be itchy, although this symptom is typically less prominent compared to other types of scalp conditions.
6. Enlarged Lymph Nodes: In some cases, nearby lymph nodes may become swollen and tender.

Kerion is considered a severe form of tinea capitis and requires prompt medical attention. Treatment usually involves oral antifungal medications to eradicate the fungal infection, along with topical treatments to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms. It’s essential to see a healthcare provider, typically a dermatologist, for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

What are the causes of kerion?

Kerion is primarily caused by fungal infections, specifically dermatophytes, which are fungi that can infect the skin, hair, and nails. The main causes of kerion include:

1. Tinea Capitis: This is the primary fungal infection of the scalp that leads to kerion. Tinea capitis is caused by several species of dermatophytes, most commonly Trichophyton and Microsporum species.
2. Direct Contact: Kerion usually develops after direct contact with fungal spores (usually from another person or from contaminated objects such as combs, brushes, or hats) that can infect the scalp and hair follicles.
3. Poor Hygiene: Lack of proper scalp hygiene, such as infrequent washing of hair or sharing contaminated personal items, can increase the risk of fungal infections like kerion.
4. Weakened Immune System: Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with conditions like HIV/AIDS or those undergoing immunosuppressive treatments, are more susceptible to fungal infections, including kerion.
5. Environmental Factors: Certain environmental factors, such as living in warm and humid climates, can also contribute to the growth and spread of fungal infections.

Kerion is characterized by severe inflammation, swelling, and pus-filled lesions on the scalp, and it requires medical attention for appropriate diagnosis and treatment with antifungal medications. Prompt treatment can help prevent complications and promote healing of the scalp.

How is the diagnosis of kerion made?

Diagnosis of kerion, a severe fungal infection of the scalp, typically involves a combination of clinical assessment and sometimes laboratory tests. Here’s how it is usually diagnosed:

1. Medical History and Physical Examination: The healthcare provider will start by taking a detailed medical history, asking about symptoms such as scalp pain, swelling, and any recent exposure to potential sources of infection. They will then perform a thorough physical examination of the scalp.
2. Visual Inspection: Kerion is characterized by large, swollen, tender lesions on the scalp that may be filled with pus. The appearance of these lesions, along with the presence of hair loss and other signs of inflammation, can often suggest the diagnosis.
3. Wood’s Lamp Examination: A Wood’s lamp (ultraviolet light) examination may be performed to examine the scalp closely. This can help identify fluorescence patterns that are typical of fungal infections, although it may not always be definitive for diagnosing kerion.
4. Scalp Scraping and Microscopic Examination: To confirm the diagnosis, a scraping of the affected area of the scalp may be taken. This sample is then examined under a microscope to look for the presence of fungal elements such as hyphae (the branching filaments of fungi) or spores.
5. Fungal Culture: In some cases, a fungal culture may be performed where the scalp sample is cultured in a laboratory to identify the specific species of fungus causing the infection. This helps determine the most effective antifungal treatment.
6. Skin Biopsy: In rare cases where the diagnosis is uncertain or if there are atypical features, a skin biopsy may be recommended. This involves removing a small piece of affected scalp tissue for further examination under a microscope.

Once diagnosed, treatment typically involves antifungal medications, either oral or topical, to eradicate the fungal infection. It’s important to seek medical attention promptly if you suspect kerion or any severe scalp condition to ensure appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

What is the treatment for kerion?

The treatment for kerion, which is a severe fungal infection of the scalp, typically involves antifungal medications to eliminate the fungal infection and reduce inflammation. Here are the main approaches to treating kerion:

1. Oral Antifungal Medications: The primary treatment for kerion usually involves oral antifungal medications, such as griseofulvin, terbinafine, itraconazole, or fluconazole. These medications are taken by mouth for several weeks to months, depending on the severity of the infection and the response to treatment.
2. Topical Antifungal Creams: In addition to oral medications, topical antifungal creams or lotions may be prescribed to apply directly to the affected scalp. These can help reduce fungal growth and inflammation on the skin surface.
3. Antibiotics: If there is secondary bacterial infection present (due to scratching and open wounds), antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the bacterial infection.
4. Anti-inflammatory Medications: To reduce swelling, pain, and inflammation associated with kerion, corticosteroid medications may be prescribed either orally or as topical creams.
5. Good Scalp Hygiene: Maintaining good scalp hygiene is important during treatment. This includes regular washing of the hair and scalp with a gentle shampoo to help remove scales and debris.
6. Avoidance of Irritants: It’s essential to avoid using harsh hair products or exposing the scalp to irritants that can exacerbate inflammation.
7. Follow-Up Care: Regular follow-up visits with a healthcare provider, typically a dermatologist, are necessary to monitor the progress of treatment and adjust medications as needed.
8. Educational Support: Educating patients and caregivers about proper hygiene practices and preventive measures to avoid reinfection or spreading the infection to others is crucial.

Kerion can be challenging to treat and may require several weeks to months of consistent therapy to fully resolve. Early diagnosis and prompt initiation of treatment are important to prevent complications and promote healing of the scalp. If you suspect you or someone you know has kerion, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly for proper evaluation and management.