A Case of Kerion Celsi Caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes / 대한의진균학회지

ABSTRACT

Kerion celsi is severe inflammatory type of tinea capitis and presents as an inflammatory, boggy mass studded with broken hairs. Mostly, it is caused by zoophilic or geophilic dermatophytes. Recently small various mammals have become a popular pet in Korea and there has been increase in reports of dermatophytosis transmitted from these pets sporadically. We report a case of kerion celsi caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes which is zoophilic or anthropophilic dermatophyte in a 8-year-old boy. He presented with erythematous edematous patches with multiple pustules on the scalp. Initial KOH examination showed negative result. So, we treated him with antibiotics under the impression of folliculitis, but symptom and skin lesion were gradually aggravated. Repeated KOH examination and culture showed positive result. Therefore, we switched treatment regimen to antifungal agent and he was successfully treated.