KERION CAUSED BY TRICHOPHYTON RUBRUM

Abstract

Although it is generally accepted that kerion due to Trichophyton rubrum is relatively rare, sporadic reports of this type of inflammatory reaction caused by this organism are appearing more frequently in the recent literature. The following is a report of two such cases. REPORT OF CASES Case1.—A 5-year-old white farm boy had been perfectly well until two weeks prior to his entry into the clinic, at which time he complained of pain in the back part of the neck while he was being bathed by his mother. She noticed a crusted, tender, swollen lesion in this area and instituted topical treatment at home with sulfur and lard. The lesion did not respond, and the child was taken to the family physician, who in turn applied penicillin ointment, with the same results. The lesion continued to enlarge; the child was brought to the Mayo Clinic. On examination he