Photodynamic therapy combined with antifungal drugs against kerion: A report of six cases and literature review

Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther. 2024 Mar 5:46:104039. doi: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2024.104039. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Aminolevulinic acid; Antifungal drugs; Kerion; Photodynamic therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports