Tinea Capitis Kerion Type in Three Siblings Caused by Nannizzia Gypsea

Abstract

This case report describes a rare occurrence of tinea capitis kerion type caused by Nannizzia gypsea in three siblings. The clinical presentation included pseudo-alopecic plaques with a dirty appearance, erythema, and honey-like crusts. A direct examination revealed ecto-endothrix parasitization in the hair shaft. Shared use of a comb among the siblings was suspected as the mode of transmission. Treatment with oral terbinafine resulted in a complete resolution. Systematic epidemiological surveys on N. gypsea tinea infections are scarce, and preliminary data from our center indicated a higher prevalence. The literature review identified five reported cases of N. gypsea-induced tinea capitis.

Keywords: ectoendotrix parasitization; nannizia gypsea; pruritic lesions; pseudo-alopecic plaques; terbinafine.