Kerion: Difference between revisions
No edit summary |
CSV import |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{SI}} | |||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Kerion | |||
| image = [[File:Kérion_02.jpg|left|thumb|Kerion on the scalp]] | |||
| caption = Kerion on the scalp | |||
| field = [[Dermatology]] | |||
| synonyms = | |||
| symptoms = [[Inflammation]], [[swelling]], [[pus]]-filled lesions | |||
| complications = [[Scarring]], [[hair loss]] | |||
| onset = | |||
| duration = | |||
| causes = [[Fungal infection]] (usually [[tinea capitis]]) | |||
| risks = | |||
| diagnosis = [[Clinical examination]], [[fungal culture]] | |||
| differential = [[Bacterial abscess]], [[folliculitis]] | |||
| prevention = | |||
| treatment = [[Antifungal medication]], [[corticosteroids]] | |||
| medication = [[Griseofulvin]], [[terbinafine]] | |||
| prognosis = Generally good with treatment | |||
| frequency = | |||
}} | |||
'''Kerion''' is a type of [[dermatophytosis]] that primarily affects the [[scalp]]. It is a severe form of [[tinea capitis]], a skin infection that is caused by [[fungus|fungi]]. Kerion is characterized by inflamed, thickened, pus-filled areas on the scalp, often accompanied by a fever and swollen lymph nodes. | '''Kerion''' is a type of [[dermatophytosis]] that primarily affects the [[scalp]]. It is a severe form of [[tinea capitis]], a skin infection that is caused by [[fungus|fungi]]. Kerion is characterized by inflamed, thickened, pus-filled areas on the scalp, often accompanied by a fever and swollen lymph nodes. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
Kerion is caused by a fungal infection, specifically by dermatophytes from the genera ''[[Trichophyton]]'' and ''[[Microsporum]]''. These fungi are highly contagious and can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected person or animal, or indirectly through contact with contaminated objects. | Kerion is caused by a fungal infection, specifically by dermatophytes from the genera ''[[Trichophyton]]'' and ''[[Microsporum]]''. These fungi are highly contagious and can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected person or animal, or indirectly through contact with contaminated objects. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
The main symptom of kerion is a painful, pus-filled swelling on the scalp. This is often accompanied by [[hair loss]] in the affected area. Other symptoms may include [[fever]], [[fatigue]], and swollen [[lymph nodes]] in the neck. | The main symptom of kerion is a painful, pus-filled swelling on the scalp. This is often accompanied by [[hair loss]] in the affected area. Other symptoms may include [[fever]], [[fatigue]], and swollen [[lymph nodes]] in the neck. | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Diagnosis of kerion is usually based on the characteristic appearance of the scalp. However, to confirm the diagnosis, a doctor may take a sample of the affected skin or hair for laboratory testing. This can help identify the specific type of fungus causing the infection. | Diagnosis of kerion is usually based on the characteristic appearance of the scalp. However, to confirm the diagnosis, a doctor may take a sample of the affected skin or hair for laboratory testing. This can help identify the specific type of fungus causing the infection. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment for kerion typically involves antifungal medications, which can be taken orally or applied topically. In some cases, a doctor may also prescribe antibiotics to treat or prevent secondary bacterial infections. It's important to start treatment as soon as possible to prevent permanent hair loss or scarring. | Treatment for kerion typically involves antifungal medications, which can be taken orally or applied topically. In some cases, a doctor may also prescribe antibiotics to treat or prevent secondary bacterial infections. It's important to start treatment as soon as possible to prevent permanent hair loss or scarring. | ||
== Prevention == | == Prevention == | ||
Prevention of kerion involves good hygiene practices, such as regular hand washing and avoiding direct contact with infected individuals or animals. It's also important to avoid sharing personal items, such as combs or hats, that may be contaminated with the fungus. | Prevention of kerion involves good hygiene practices, such as regular hand washing and avoiding direct contact with infected individuals or animals. It's also important to avoid sharing personal items, such as combs or hats, that may be contaminated with the fungus. | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Tinea capitis]] | * [[Tinea capitis]] | ||
| Line 21: | Line 36: | ||
* [[Trichophyton]] | * [[Trichophyton]] | ||
* [[Microsporum]] | * [[Microsporum]] | ||
[[Category:Dermatophytosis]] | [[Category:Dermatophytosis]] | ||
[[Category:Skin conditions]] | [[Category:Skin conditions]] | ||
[[Category:Fungal diseases]] | [[Category:Fungal diseases]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 21:18, 6 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Kerion | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Synonyms | |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Inflammation, swelling, pus-filled lesions |
| Complications | Scarring, hair loss |
| Onset | |
| Duration | |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Fungal infection (usually tinea capitis) |
| Risks | |
| Diagnosis | Clinical examination, fungal culture |
| Differential diagnosis | Bacterial abscess, folliculitis |
| Prevention | |
| Treatment | Antifungal medication, corticosteroids |
| Medication | Griseofulvin, terbinafine |
| Prognosis | Generally good with treatment |
| Frequency | |
| Deaths | N/A |
Kerion is a type of dermatophytosis that primarily affects the scalp. It is a severe form of tinea capitis, a skin infection that is caused by fungi. Kerion is characterized by inflamed, thickened, pus-filled areas on the scalp, often accompanied by a fever and swollen lymph nodes.
Causes[edit]
Kerion is caused by a fungal infection, specifically by dermatophytes from the genera Trichophyton and Microsporum. These fungi are highly contagious and can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected person or animal, or indirectly through contact with contaminated objects.
Symptoms[edit]
The main symptom of kerion is a painful, pus-filled swelling on the scalp. This is often accompanied by hair loss in the affected area. Other symptoms may include fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of kerion is usually based on the characteristic appearance of the scalp. However, to confirm the diagnosis, a doctor may take a sample of the affected skin or hair for laboratory testing. This can help identify the specific type of fungus causing the infection.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for kerion typically involves antifungal medications, which can be taken orally or applied topically. In some cases, a doctor may also prescribe antibiotics to treat or prevent secondary bacterial infections. It's important to start treatment as soon as possible to prevent permanent hair loss or scarring.
Prevention[edit]
Prevention of kerion involves good hygiene practices, such as regular hand washing and avoiding direct contact with infected individuals or animals. It's also important to avoid sharing personal items, such as combs or hats, that may be contaminated with the fungus.
