The most common location of the infection in flavus is the scalp. It is important to note that it can also occur in developed nations within areas where these conditions are present. Sub-standard living conditions and neglect are some of the other risk factors. The condition is mainly seen in areas where poverty and malnutrition are present. In the case of favus, it does not appear to be highly contagious even among those that live in close quarters like family members. It is more likely to occur when there is a preceding injury to the skin. Direct skin-to-skin contact or even indirect contact via shared objects can spread the fungus. Most dermatophyte infections are highly contagious meaning that it can easily be transmitted from one person to another. It can be easily spread from one area of the body to another especially when scratching these areas. These fungi tend to thrive in warm, moist and dark areas of the body. It causes superficial infections and the areas that are more commonly infected by dermatophytes includes the feet (tinea pedis or athlete’s foot), the groin region (tinea cruris or jock itch) and the scalp (tinea capitis or scalp ringworm). These fungi contain enzymes that can digest the skin protein keratin. Although rare, the fungi can be contracted from animals and even inanimate objects.ĭermatophytes are a group of fungi that have a predilection for skin. Less commonly other fungal species may be responsible including Trichophyton violaceum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes var quinckeanum, Microsporum gypseum, Microsporum gallinae and Microsporum canis. Causes of Favusįavus is predominantly caused by the dermatophyte Trichophyton schoenleinii. While oral medication can be curative and eradicate the infection, complications like scarring alopecia cannot be reversed. The infection tends to persist for years, even decades, resulting in hair loss and scarring on the scalp in the more severe stages. Although flavus may occur globally, it is rarely seen in the United States and often associated with poverty and malnutrition. This infection may affect males and females equally. Although the scalp is most commonly affected, it can also involve the beard, nails and body in rare cases. Other fungi may sometimes also be responsible. Favus is also known as tinea favosa and is mainly caused by a species of skin fungus known as Trichophyton schoenleinii. It is considered to be a severe form of scalp ringworm that is medically termed as tinea capitis.
This condition is known as favus.įavus is a type of superficial fungal infection that mainly affects the scalp. The cosmetic effects may have a host of psychosocial implications. It may result in hair loss and scarring of the scalp which can be irreversible. 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.
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