Two Cases of Tinea Capitis (Kerion Celsi) in Children Treated with Itraconazole Pulsated Regimen

Overview

Tinea capitis is a common skin disease found predominantly in children. The clinical manifestations range frommild scaling lesions to widespread alopecia or highly inflammatory suppurating lesions. The author presentsa case-record of two children (7-, and 9-year old girls) with kerion Celsi. The causative organisms were Microspo-rum canis and Trichophyton verrucosum, respectively. The patients were successfully treated by oral itraconazolepulsated regimen. The dosage regimen was 5 mg/kg per day administered once daily. Each pulse lasted 1 weekwith 2 weeks off between consecutive pulses. There were no associated clinical adverse effects with itraconazoletherapy. The author stresses the importance of early diagnosis followed by early and effective treatment to preventscarring and permanent hair loss.

Key words:
Tinea capitis, kerion Celsi, Microsporum canis, Trichophyton verrucosum, itraconazole pulsated