Overview
Favus, also known as honeycomb ringworm, is a contagious dermatophytic infection caused by the anthropophilic fungus Trichophyton schoenleinii. It presents with characteristic scaly, yellow-brown patches on the skin, particularly affecting the scalp, face, and upper trunk 1.Diagnosis
Clinical presentation of characteristic honeycomb-like scales and plaques
Microscopic examination of skin scrapings showing fungal elements (hyphae and spores)
Culture of skin lesions to identify Trichophyton schoenleinii 1Management
First-line treatment: Topical antifungal agents such as clotrimazole or terbinafine solutions/creams
Adjunctive treatment: Systemic antifungal therapy with oral terbinafine or itraconazole for extensive or refractory cases 1Special Populations
Pediatrics: Similar management principles apply, but close monitoring for systemic absorption of oral antifungals is advised 1
Elderly: Increased vigilance for potential drug interactions and renal function monitoring when using systemic antifungals 1Key Recommendations
Identify and isolate the patient to prevent transmission due to the contagious nature of Trichophyton schoenleinii (Evidence: Expert opinion) 1
Initiate topical antifungal therapy as first-line treatment for localized favus infections (Evidence: Expert opinion) 1
Consider systemic antifungal therapy for extensive or unresponsive cases, selecting agents like terbinafine or itraconazole based on patient-specific factors (Evidence: Expert opinion) 1References
1 Hierholzer J, Hierholzer C, Hierholzer K. Johann Lukas Schönlein and his contribution to nephrology and medicine. American journal of nephrology 1994. link