Severe Kerion Celsi Due to Trichophyton Mentagrophytes: A Case Report

This case report described a 5-year-old girl who developed severe kerion celsi due to Trichophyton mentagrophytes, likely contracted from a pet guinea pig. Initially, the condition was misdiagnosed as a simple skin infection and treated with local antifungal agents, which proved inadequate. The infection progressed, necessitating long-term systemic treatment with griseofulvin. Despite treatment, reinfection occurred, and the girl ultimately suffered from alopecia, requiring her to wear a wig. The report concluded that tinea capitis, a common scalp infection, requires systemic treatment, and delays or inappropriate treatment can lead to severe outcomes like kerion celsi.