2009-11-07 22:02:17 -

www.medicarefinance.com

A kerion is a soft, boggy area of skin that occurs in relationship to inflammation caused by tinea capitis. It is not the result of bacterial infection. When it occurs in the hair bearing portion of the scalp, scarring and permanent hair loss occurs. Somewhere between 5 and 30% or people afflicted with tinea capitis will develop this disorder.

Causes of

Kerion


Kerion is associated with the development of allergic sensitization to a fungi.

Signs and Symptoms of Kerion

Most commonly, scalp ringworm infections are caused by dermatophytes that prefer to grow on humans. Less commonly, the fungus may be spread from infected animals (zoophilic dermatophytes) or from the soil (geophilic dermatophytes).

Kerions usually occur in people who have been infected with zoophilic dermatophytes. A kerion is believed to be an overly active response of the immune system or an allergic reaction to the fungus.
The symptoms are primarily that of a elevated, tender mass in the scalp. Small pustules develop on the lesion. Rupture of the pustules can lead to purulent drainage from the scalp. Loss of hair is usually temporary, although it may become permanent. When it does occur, it is often related to secondary bacterial infection. Enlarged lymph nodes may be found in the neck. The lesions usually are self-limited and often heal over 4-6 weeks.

www.medicarefinance.com