Kerion celsi

Kerion celsi, also called kerion or tinea capitis kerion, is a severe form of scalp ringworm caused by a fungal infection. Unlike mild ringworm, kerion causes a painful, swollen, boggy lump on the scalp that oozes pus. It happens when the body mounts a strong immune reaction against the fungus, usually from the Trichophyton or Microsporum family. The infection gets deep into the hair follicles, causing significant inflammation. The main symptoms include a raised, soft, tender swelling on the scalp that may feel spongy or boggy to the touch, hair loss in the affected area, pus draining from small openings, crusting, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. The condition can be quite painful and distressing, especially for children, who are most commonly affected. The good news is that kerion celsi is treatable. Doctors use oral antifungal medicines, most commonly griseofulvin or terbinafine, taken by mouth for several weeks. Topical creams alone are not enough. With proper treatment, most people recover fully, though there is a risk of permanent scarring or hair loss if treatment is delayed. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to a good outcome.

Bring these to your next appointment

• Q1.Which antifungal medicine do you recommend for my child, and how long will they need to take it?,Should we also use an antifungal shampoo, and if so, which one?,Is there a risk of permanent hair loss, and what can we do to reduce that risk?,Do other family members or our pets need to be checked or treated?,When is it safe for my child to return to school?,What side effects should I watch for with the antifungal medication?,How will we know when the infection is fully gone, and do we need follow-up tests?

Common questions about Kerion celsi