Beyond Appearances: Foreign Body Reaction of Hair Follicles as a Complication of Inflammatory Tinea Capitis (Kerion Celsi) Resolved

This case study discusses a 7-year-old male with a chronic pseudoalopecic plaque on the scalp following inflammatory tinea capitis, despite negative mycological studies. Histopathological analysis revealed granulomatous dermatitis, suggesting persistent inflammation due to hair shaft fragmentation and retention of keratinous debris acting as foreign bodies. Dermoscopic-guided removal of keratin plugs and ingrown hairs led to clinical improvement. The study highlights a novel mechanism of persistent inflammation in kerion celsi, emphasizing the role of endogenous foreign bodies in triggering a chronic granulomatous response.