Favus

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Favus
Synonyms	Tinea favosa
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Scaly, crusted lesions on the scalp, hair loss
Complications	Scarring alopecia, secondary bacterial infections
Onset	Usually in childhood
Duration	Chronic if untreated
Types	N/A
Causes	Fungal infection by Trichophyton schoenleinii
Risks	Poor hygiene, crowded living conditions
Diagnosis	Clinical examination, Wood's lamp examination, KOH test
Differential diagnosis	Seborrheic dermatitis, Psoriasis, Alopecia areata
Prevention	Good hygiene, avoiding sharing personal items
Treatment	Antifungal medications such as Griseofulvin, Terbinafine
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Good with treatment, but may result in permanent hair loss
Frequency	Rare in developed countries, more common in rural areas of developing countries
Deaths	N/A

Tinea favosa on the arm

Favus is a chronic infection that affects the scalp, characterized by the formation of yellow, cup-shaped crusts. It is caused by a fungus called Trichophyton schoenleinii. Favus is rare and is most commonly seen in rural areas of developing countries.

Causes

Favus is caused by a fungus called Trichophyton schoenleinii. This fungus is spread through direct contact with an infected person or animal, or indirectly through contact with objects such as combs, hats, and bedding that have been contaminated with the fungus.

Symptoms

The main symptom of favus is the formation of yellow, cup-shaped crusts on the scalp. These crusts, known as scutula, are often surrounded by a ring of red, inflamed skin. Other symptoms may include itching, hair loss, and a foul smell.

Diagnosis

Favus is diagnosed through a physical examination and laboratory tests. The doctor may take a sample of the crusts or affected hair for microscopic examination and culture. The fungus Trichophyton schoenleinii can be identified under the microscope or in culture.

Treatment

Treatment for favus involves the use of antifungal medications. These may be applied topically to the affected area or taken orally. In severe cases, it may be necessary to remove the affected hair.

Prevention

Prevention of favus involves good personal hygiene and avoiding contact with infected individuals or animals. It is also important to avoid sharing personal items such as combs, hats, and bedding.

See also

• Dermatophytosis
• Tinea capitis
• Tinea corporis

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