We reported 6 cases of children with kerion who were successfully treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT) combined with antifungal agents.All patients achieved good clinical efficacy and safety.

We searched for 6 published reports of kerion or tinea capitis in the literature and analyzed and summarized the characteristics and efficacy of the cases.

PDT combined with oral antifungal drugs is a good choice for curing kerion. Pre-treatment and early combination can maximize the curative effect, shorten the course of disease, and reduce the adverse reactions of cicatricial alopecia.

Kerion, a severe manifestation of tinea capitis caused by dermatophytes, is a fungal skin disease primarily affecting children. This report discusses six cases of pediatric kerion that were successfully treated with a combination of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and antifungal agents. Additionally, we conducted a literature review, identifying and analyzing six published reports on kerion and tinea capitis. The characteristics and efficacies of these cases are summarized. In summary, early combination therapy and proactive pre-treatment interventions proved effective in maximizing therapeutic outcomes, reducing disease duration and minimizing adverse reactions such as cicatricial alopecia. This approach has emerged as a favorable choice for the treatment of kerion.

Kerion

Photodynamic therapy

Aminolevulinic acid

Antifungal drugs

© 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.