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Case Reports
. 2025 Jan 9;11(1):52.
doi: 10.3390/jof11010052.

Dermoscopy and Ultraviolet-Enhanced Fluorescence Dermoscopy (UEFD) Increase the Accuracy of Diagnosis and Are Useful in Assessing the Effectiveness of Kerion celsi Treatment

Justyna Putek  1 , Danuta Nowicka  2 , Alina Jankowska-Konsur  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Dermoscopy and Ultraviolet-Enhanced Fluorescence Dermoscopy (UEFD) Increase the Accuracy of Diagnosis and Are Useful in Assessing the Effectiveness of Kerion celsi Treatment

Justyna Putek et al. J Fungi (Basel). .

Abstract

Microsporum canis, a zoophilic dermatophyte, infects the stratum corneum and keratinized tissues like hair and nails in cats and dogs, with cats serving as the primary reservoir. Most human infections arise from animal contact. We present the case of a girl aged 8 with skin scalp lesions persisting for two months. Several scalp lesions, with a maximum diameter of 4 cm, presented as erythematous plaques with superficial scaling, yellow crusts, and edematous areas with purulent exudate. Dermoscopy revealed yellow crusts on an erythematous background, along with white scales, pustules, broken hairs, and comma hairs. Ultraviolent-enhanced fluorescence dermoscopy (UEFD) showed slight celadon green fluorescence, which enhanced the diagnosis and further helped to monitor the treatment. The PCR test confirmed the presence of M. canis. Treatment included topical ciclopirox and oral terbinafine. Lesions on the scalp and noticeable hair regrowth were observed in the areas of hair loss after two months. Kerion celsi can result in severe alopecia. To prevent scarring associated with hair loss in children, early mycological diagnostics, supported by dermoscopy and UEFD, is recommended.

Keywords: Kerion celsi; Microsporum canis; alopecia; dermatophyte; fungal infection; zoonosis.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The clinical presentation of Kerion celsi in an 8-year-old girl on the day of admission (left lesion: 4 cm × 4 cm, central scalp; middle: 1.5 cm × 1 cm, parietal scalp; right: 0.5 cm × 0.5 cm, parietal scalp).
Figure 2
Figure 2
The dermoscopic presentation of Kerion celsi in an 8-year-old girl on the day of admission. Green arrow—white scales, pink arrow—broken hairs, red arrow—pustules, blue arrow—erythema, orange arrow—yellow crusts.
Figure 3
Figure 3
The ultraviolet-enhanced fluorescence dermoscopy of Kerion celsi in an 8-year-old girl on the day of admission. Celadon green perifollicular fluorescence can be observed.
Figure 4
Figure 4
The clinical presentation of tinea corporis in the mother and the younger sister of the patient: (a) skin lesion on the left lower limb of the mother, and (b) skin lesions on the trunk of the younger sister.
Figure 5
Figure 5
The clinical presentation of Kerion celsi in an 8-year-old girl after one month of follow-up.
Figure 6
Figure 6
The dermoscopy findings of Kerion celsi in an 8-year-old girl after one month of follow-up.
Figure 7
Figure 7
The dermoscopy findings of Kerion celsi in an 8-year-old girl after two months of follow-up.
Figure 8
Figure 8
The dermoscopy and ultraviolet-enhanced fluorescence dermoscopy findings of Kerion celsi in an 8-year-old girl after two months of follow-up. Green arrow—white scales with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, orange arrow—broken hairs, red arrow—vellus hair.
Figure 9
Figure 9
The clinical presentation of Kerion celsi in an 8-year-old girl after a three-month follow-up period.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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