Favus

It is an uncommon scalp problem and not usually serious in terms of being debilitating or life-threatening but a lesser known infection can lead to extensive damage of the scalp. It may result in hair loss and scarring of the scalp which can be irreversible. The cosmetic effects may have a host of psychosocial implications. This condition is known as favus.

What is favus?

Favus is a type of superficial fungal infection that mainly affects the scalp. It is considered to be a severe form of scalp ringworm that is medically termed as tinea capitis. Favus is also known as tinea favosa and is mainly caused by a species of skin fungus known as Trichophyton schoenleinii. Other fungi may sometimes also be responsible. Although the scalp is most commonly affected, it can also involve the beard, nails and body in rare cases.

This infection may affect males and females equally. It can occur in adults and children. Although flavus may occur globally, it is rarely seen in the United States and often associated with poverty and malnutrition. The infection tends to persist for years, even decades, resulting in hair loss and scarring on the scalp in the more severe stages. While oral medication can be curative and eradicate the infection, complications like scarring alopecia cannot be reversed.