Abstract

Favus or tinea favosa is a critical and prolonged inflammatory dermatophyte infection. Clinically, favus is categorized by scutula (yellow saucer-shaped crusts consisting of hyphae and scales) around hair follicles and acute scarring alopecia, that can lead to substantial psychosocial problems. Above and beyond the scalp, it may contaminate the glabrous skin (skin that is devoid of dermal filaments) and nails.

Case Report

We presents a case of 63-year-old woman with favus of vellus hair. Examinations with fungal culture provide negative results; though, fungal elements were noticed in the coating and hair bulbs by Grocott staining. Pathogenic fungi were recognized to be T. schoenleinii developing polymerase chain reaction-based DNA sequencing, by aiming the inner transcribed spacer regions of the rRNA gene in the formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sample. Elements that may indulgence the growth of the disease at this age comprise of hormonal changes, using the services of hair salons, and, the use of certain hair-care products, which can be a basis of infection. 

The patient was treated withp.o. administration of terbinafine and topical application of luliconazole cream for 4 weeks.

Conclusion

In general, favus is not normally detected in elderly. By exact valuation of the patients medical history, the clinical features of the disease, and consequences of laboratory analyses, together with operative clinician association, it is promising for the patient to continue a healthy social life. 

Source

J Dermatol. 2019 Apr;46(4):347-350. doi: 10.1111/1346-8138.14804. Epub 2019 Feb 15. PMID: 30768822.