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Favus of the scalp: an overview and update

Macit Ilkit1

  • 1Faculty of Medicine, Division of Mycology, Department of Microbiology, University of Cukurova, Adana, Turkey. milkit@cu.edu.tr

Mycopathologia
|April 23, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Favus, a scalp infection caused by dermatophytes like Trichophyton schoenleinii, is less contagious than other fungal infections. This review covers its clinical features, causes, global spread, and diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Dermatology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Tinea capitis favosa is a chronic inflammatory scalp infection primarily caused by Trichophyton schoenleinii.
  • Other dermatophytes and zoophilic/geophilic fungi can also cause favus lesions.
  • While typically a childhood disease, adult cases occur, and it's less contagious than other dermatophytoses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the clinical manifestations of favus.
  • To discuss the etiological agents responsible for favus.
  • To provide an overview of global epidemiology, laboratory diagnosis, and historical context of medical mycology related to favus.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of clinical studies and mycological reports on tinea capitis favosa.
  • Analysis of etiological agents and their prevalence.
  • Examination of global epidemiological data and diagnostic methods.

Main Results:

  • Trichophyton schoenleinii is the predominant cause, but other fungi are implicated.
  • Clinical presentation varies, including lesions and asymptomatic colonization.
  • Incidence has declined globally, with exceptions in specific regions like China, Nigeria, and Iran.

Conclusions:

  • Favus is a distinct dermatophytosis with variable clinical presentations and causative agents.
  • Understanding its epidemiology and diagnosis is crucial for effective management.
  • This review synthesizes current knowledge on favus, contributing to the field of medical mycology.

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