TLDR Fungal infections should be considered in scalp swelling to avoid misdiagnosis.
The document reported a case of kerion celsi in a 9-year-old Nepalese boy, initially misdiagnosed as a bacterial infection. The condition, characterized by painful scalp lesions and alopecia, was confirmed to be caused by the fungus Trichophyton tonsurans through fungal culture and microscopic examination. The boy was successfully treated with griseofulvin, showing significant improvement with no recurrence over a 2-year follow-up, although the lesions healed with focal alopecia. The study emphasized the importance of clinical suspicion and the use of fungal culture alongside direct microscopic examination for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of kerion.
3 citations
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September 2020 in “Case reports in dermatological medicine” Misdiagnosing kerion as a bacterial infection can lead to unnecessary surgery and permanent hair loss.
24 citations
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August 2007 in “Journal of pediatric surgery” Surgery is not the right treatment for a fungal scalp infection; proper medical treatment is needed.
2 citations
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January 2014 in “Springer eBooks” The book details skin conditions in older adults, their link to mental health, cancer treatment importance, hair loss remedies, and managing autoimmune and itchy skin.
2 citations
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April 2015 in “Dermatology practical & conceptual” Daily use of antifungal shampoo can hide symptoms and make it hard to diagnose fungal scalp infections.
23 citations
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January 2005 in “Nihon Ishinkin Gakkai zasshi” Nested PCR can reliably identify fungal infections when traditional methods fail.
5 citations
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November 2011 in “Expert Review of Dermatology” The document concludes that early diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan are crucial for managing hair loss in children, with a focus on both medical and psychological support.
6 citations
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August 1991 in “Pediatric Clinics of North America” The document concludes that various hair and scalp disorders in children have specific treatments and proper diagnosis is essential.
