Kerion: An Unusual Presentation in the Otolaryngology Department
February 2005
in “
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology
”
TLDR A fungal infection in the neck caused severe breathing issues, treated successfully with antibiotics and antifungal medication.
A 19-year-old farmer experienced severe breathlessness and a three-day history of painful swelling and hair loss in the beard area, leading to an emergency referral to the otolaryngology department. His upper airway was compromised unless his neck was extended. Treatment with intravenous antibiotics and hydrocortisone alleviated the acute symptoms, and skin cultures identified Tricophyton verrucosum. The neck swelling subsided after treatment with oral griseofulvin followed by terbinafine. This case was notable as difficulty in breathing due to a fungal infection of the neck had not been previously reported in English literature.
