Microsporum canis - a rare cause of Kerion Celsi

An 8-year-old boy who had immigrated from Venezuela had an abscessing, purulent and painful lesion at the back of his head. Since a bacterial skin infection was also considered as a differential diagnosis, cefuroxime was initially used intravenously. The simultaneous mycological diagnostics from smears, dandruff and hair roots provided evidence of the zoophilic dermatophyte Microsporum canis . This corresponded to the anamnestic indication of cat contact while still in his home country Venezuela. The Kerion Celsi (tinea capitis profunda) was treated orally with terbinafine, topically with clotrimazole and ciclopiroxolamine. After 2 months of oral therapy with terbinafine, the Kerion Celsi healed without scarring. In Germany, Microsporum canis is a rare pathogen of Kerion Celsi. In accordance with guidelines, combined oral and topical antifungal treatment must be used.