Favus

Favus is a fungal infection that primarily affects the scalp. In this article, we will explore the different aspects of Favus, including its types, causes, symptoms, diagnostic tests, and available treatments.

Types of Favus:

Favus comes in two main types – dry and honeycomb. Dry favus presents as yellowish crusts on the scalp, while honeycomb favus forms a distinctive pattern resembling a beehive. Favus mainly manifests in two forms – Dry and Moist Favus. Dry Favus presents as yellowish, cup-shaped crusts on the scalp, while Moist Favus involves moist, yellow crusts and pus.

Causes of Favus:

  1. Poor hygiene
  2. Fungal infection (Trichophyton schoenleinii)
  3. Close contact with an infected person
  4. Crowded living conditions
  5. Weakened immune system
  6. Lack of proper nutrition
  7. Shared personal items (combs, brushes)
  8. Warm and humid environments
  9. Prolonged wet scalp
  10. Genetic predisposition
  11. Unsanitary living conditions
  12. Excessive sweating
  13. Diabetes
  14. Scalp injuries
  15. Use of contaminated hair care products
  16. Poor air circulation in living spaces
  17. Use of shared headgear
  18. Hormonal changes
  19. Overuse of antibiotics
  20. Stress

Symptoms of Favus:

  1. Yellow, crusty patches on the scalp
  2. Itchy scalp
  3. Hair loss
  4. Foul-smelling scalp
  5. Brittle and distorted hair
  6. Swollen lymph nodes
  7. Redness and inflammation
  8. Scalp pain
  9. Difficulty combing or brushing hair
  10. White or yellow specks on hair
  11. Scaling of the scalp
  12. Formation of honeycomb-like structures
  13. Pus-filled lesions
  14. Fever
  15. Fatigue
  16. Skin discoloration
  17. Oozing sores
  18. Secondary bacterial infections
  19. Cracked and bleeding skin
  20. Depression or anxiety due to social stigma

Diagnostic Tests for Favus:

  1. Microscopic examination of scalp scrapings
  2. Culture test to identify the specific fungus
  3. Wood’s lamp examination
  4. Skin biopsy
  5. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test
  6. Blood tests to assess immune function
  7. Potassium hydroxide (KOH) test
  8. Trichoscopy (hair and scalp examination)
  9. Dermoscopy
  10. Patch testing for allergies
  11. Skin lesion biopsy
  12. Scraping for fungal elements
  13. Direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) test
  14. Hair pull test
  15. KOH mount examination
  16. Gram staining
  17. Fungal culture on Sabouraud agar
  18. Immunohistochemistry
  19. Confocal laser scanning microscopy
  20. Molecular diagnostic techniques

Treatment Options for Favus:

  1. Antifungal medications (oral and topical)
  2. Medicated shampoos containing ketoconazole or ciclopirox
  3. Systemic antifungal therapy
  4. Antifungal creams and ointments
  5. Oral antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections
  6. Topical corticosteroids for inflammation
  7. Regular washing and cleaning of the scalp
  8. Maintaining good personal hygiene
  9. Avoiding shared personal items
  10. Keeping the scalp dry and well-ventilated
  11. Oral antihistamines for itching
  12. Proper nutrition to boost immune system
  13. Stress management techniques
  14. Avoiding tight headgear
  15. Using a mild shampoo for regular hair care
  16. Severe cases may require hospitalization
  17. Photodynamic therapy
  18. Laser therapy for fungal eradication
  19. Immunotherapy
  20. Cryotherapy
  21. UV light therapy
  22. Herbal remedies (tea tree oil, aloe vera)
  23. Scalp massages for improved blood circulation
  24. Application of antifungal powders
  25. Use of medicated hair oils
  26. Avoiding excessive heat styling
  27. Regular follow-up with a healthcare provider
  28. Education on preventive measures
  29. Support groups for mental health
  30. Consultation with a dermatologist for specialized care

Drugs for Favus Treatment:

  1. Griseofulvin
  2. Terbinafine
  3. Itraconazole
  4. Fluconazole
  5. Ketoconazole
  6. Ciclopirox
  7. Clotrimazole
  8. Miconazole
  9. Econazole
  10. Tolnaftate
  11. Selenium sulfide
  12. Coal tar
  13. Salicylic acid
  14. Hydrocortisone
  15. Betamethasone
  16. Clobetasol
  17. Neomycin
  18. Gentamicin
  19. Mupirocin
  20. Bacitracin

Conclusion:

Understanding Favus involves recognizing its types, causes, symptoms, and the available diagnostic and treatment options. Maintaining good hygiene, seeking prompt medical attention, and adhering to prescribed treatments are crucial in managing and preventing the recurrence of Favus. If you suspect you have Favus, consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and care.

 

Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, always seek the advice of a medical professional before trying any treatments to ensure to find the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this page or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.

References

 

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