A retrospective study of the management of pediatric kerion in Trichophyton tonsurans infection.

Kerion celsi is the inflammatory extreme of tinea capitis, representing a delayed hypersensitivity reaction to the causative dermatophyte. Some authors have advocated the use of oral corticosteroids in patients with kerion formation to inhibit the host inflammatory response and minimize the risk of scarring. This retrospective study analyzed the management and outcome of all children younger than 10 years old presenting to our pediatric dermatology service with tinea capitis resulting in kerion formation between 2003 and 2009. We propose that kerion treatment be directed toward the underlying dermatophyte. Oral and intralesional corticosteroids are an unnecessary adjunct to oral antifungal therapy for children with tinea capitis presenting with kerion in urban areas.