A kerion is an abscess caused by fungal infection. It most often occurs on the scalp (tinea capitis), but it may also arise on any site exposed to the fungus such as face (tinea faciei) and upper limbs (tinea corporis). Kerion is a type of inflammatory response to a fungal infection, most commonly caused by dermatophytes such as Trichophyton and Microsporum.

Understanding the Context

It typically manifests as a swollen, pus-filled lesion on the scalp, often accompanied by hair loss in the affected area. Kerion is a fungal infection of the scalp that causes hair loss and inflammatory, pus-filled sores. It is mostly found in children and is brought on by fungi called dermatophytes, which feed on keratin. Kerion formation is the inflammatory extreme of tinea capitis, producing a large painful crusted plaque in the scalp, often with purulent discharge and cervical lymphadenopathy.

Key Insights

Kerions are the result of a massive delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction to the dermatophyte. Kerion is a condition that is caused by an inflammatory reaction to a fungal infection on the scalp (commonly known as scalp ringworm and also known as tinea capitis). A kerion appears as an inflamed, thickened, pus-filled area, and it may be accompanied by fever and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Kerion is a rare fungal infection of the scalp that affects children and young adults. It is caused by the fungus Trichophyton verrucosum and can lead to hair loss and scarring if left untreated.

Final Thoughts

Kerion or kerion celsi is an acute inflammatory process which is the result of the host's response to a fungal ringworm infection of the hair follicles of the scalp (occasionally the beard) that can be accompanied by secondary bacterial infection (s). A kerion is an abscess caused by a fungal infection. Symptoms include crusting, hair loss, swelling and inflammation. Oral medications treat the fungal infection.