Kerion Quiz

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Reviewed By:

Yukiko Ueda, MD

Yukiko Ueda, MD (Dermatology)

Dr. Ueda graduated from the Niigata University School of Medicine and trained at the University of Tokyo Medical School. She is currently a clinical assistant professor at the Department of Dermatology, Jichi Medical University, and holds several posts in the dermatology departments at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Komagome Hospital, University of Tokyo, and the Medical Center of Japan Red Cross Society.

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How Ubie can help you

With an easy 3-min questionnaire, Ubie's AI-powered system will generate a free report on possible causes.

  • Trained and reviewed by 50+ doctors, our AI Symptom Checker utilizes data from 1,500+ medical centers

  • Questions are customized to your situation and symptoms

  • Kerion as well as similar diseases can be checked at the same time.

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Your personal report will tell you

✔︎  When to see a doctor

✔︎  What causes your symptoms

✔︎  Treatment information etc.

People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes

  • Bulging patch of skin

  • Before the hair loss, the scalp was itchy

  • Smelly bumps

  • Red rash

  • Receding hairline

  • Pus in the chest

  • Pus on the back of the neck

Just 3 minutes.
Developed by doctors.

Learn more about Kerion

Content updated on Nov 2, 2022

What is kerion?

A kerion is an abscess that appears as a large, spongy lump filled with pus and caused by inflammation from a fungal infection. It is commonly seen on the scalp but can develop anywhere. Anyone can be affected, but it is most common in children. Infection can spread through physical contact, sharing hairbrushes, towels, bedding, etc.

Symptoms of kerion

  • Bumps containing pus

  • Hair loss

  • Skin redness or red bumpy rashes

Questions your doctor may ask to check for kerion

Your doctor may ask these questions to diagnose kerion

  • Do you have bumps on your skin with pus?

  • Have you felt that you are losing more hair recently?

  • Do you have red skin or red spots on the skin?

Treatment for kerion

Antifungal drugs are usually prescribed to be taken orally. Antifungal soaps and shampoos may be useful to reduce the risk of spreading to other household members. If a bacterial infection is also present, antibiotics may be prescribed.

View the symptoms of Kerion

  • Pustule

  • Hair loss

  • Red skin

References

  • John AM, Schwartz RA, Janniger CK. The kerion: an angry tinea capitis. Int J Dermatol. 2018 Jan;57(1):3-9. doi: 10.1111/ijd.13423. Epub 2016 Oct 1. PMID: 27696388.

    https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ijd.13423

  • Grijsen ML, de Vries HJC. Kerion. CMAJ. 2017 May 23;189(20):E725. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.160665. PMID: 28536129; PMCID: PMC5436964.

    https://www.cmaj.ca/content/189/20/E725

User testimonials

Reviewed By:

Yukiko Ueda, MD

Yukiko Ueda, MD (Dermatology)

Dr. Ueda graduated from the Niigata University School of Medicine and trained at the University of Tokyo Medical School. She is currently a clinical assistant professor at the Department of Dermatology, Jichi Medical University, and holds several posts in the dermatology departments at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Komagome Hospital, University of Tokyo, and the Medical Center of Japan Red Cross Society.

From our team of 50+ doctors

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Developed by doctors.

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