Favus
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Favus (Latin for "honeycomb") is a disease of the scalp, but occurring occasionally on any part of the skin, and even at times on mucous membranes. The uncomplicated appearance is that of a number of yellowish, circular, cup-shaped crusts (scutula) grouped in patches like a piece of honeycomb, each about the size of a split pea, with a hair projecting in the center. These increase in size and become crusted over, so that the characteristic lesion can only be seen round the edge of the scab. Growth continues to take place for several months, when scab and scutulum come away, leaving a shining bare patch destitute of hair. The disease is essentially chronic, lasting from ten to twenty years. It is caused by the growth of a fungus, and pathologically is the reaction of the tissues to the growth. It was the first disease in which a fungus was discovered by J. L. Schönlein in 1839; the discovery was published in a brief note of twenty lines in Millers Archive for that year (p. 82), the fungus having been subsequently named by Robert Remak; Achorion Schonleinii after its discoverer. The achorion consists of slender, mycelial threads matted together, bearing oval, nucleated gonidia either free or jointed.
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The spores would appear to enter through the unbroken cutaneous surface, and to germinate mostly in and around the hair follicle and sometimes in the shaft of the hair. In 1892, two other species of the fungus were described by Paul Gerson Unna, the Favus griseus, giving rise to greyish-yellow scutula, and the Favus sulphureus celerior, causing sulfur-yellow scutula of a rapid growth.
Favus is relatively uncommon today, but still can occur in overcrowded and unhygienic environments. It is known to be caused by one of the following dermatophytes: Microsporum Gypseum, Trichophyton Violaceum, Trichophyton Schoenleinii, Trichophyton Mentagrophytes. It is spread by contagion, usually from cats, but sometimes dogs, mice and domestic fowl. Lack of personal hygiene is usually a necessary factor in its development, but can be contacted by persons in delicate health and suffering from phthisis. Before treatment can be begun, the scabs must be removed and the head thoroughly cleansed with soft soap. The cure is then brought about by the use of fungicidal agents and griseofulvin, in the same manner as with diseases such as tinea capitis. If the nails are affected, avulsion of the nail will probably be needed before the disease can be reached.
[edit] References
- This article incorporates text from the Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition, a publication now in the public domain.
