FAVUS Meaning and
Definition
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Favus is a medical term that refers to a highly contagious fungal infection affecting the scalp commonly known as scalp ringworm. It is caused by the dermatophyte fungi species, Trichophyton schoenleinii. The infection is characterized by the formation of yellowish crusts or scutula on the scalp, which often emit a foul odor.
Favus primarily exhibits symptoms such as severe itching, redness, and hair loss in the affected area. As the infection progresses, the scaly crusts become more widespread, leading to significant hair thinning or even complete baldness. If left untreated, favus can cause long-lasting and irreversible damage to the hair follicles.
The infection spreads easily through direct contact with an infected person or indirectly through the sharing of combs, towels, or other personal items. It is most common in areas with poor hygiene practices or overcrowding.
Diagnosis of favus is typically achieved through visual inspection of the scalp and the presence of characteristic symptoms. Laboratory tests, such as microscopic examination of a sample taken from the affected area and fungal cultures, may also be conducted to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment often involves the use of antifungal medications, such as oral griseofulvin, to eliminate the causative fungus. Additionally, topical antifungal creams or shampoos may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms and prevent the spread of infection. Proper hygiene practices, such as regularly washing and disinfecting personal items, are crucial for preventing the recurrence and spread of favus.
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Tinea favosa, t. lupinosa, porrigo favosa, honeycombed ringworm; a skin disease of childhood, marked by the formation of yellow saucer-shaped crusts around the hair-follicles on the body; it is due to the presence of a fungus, A chorion schonleinii.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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A disease of the skin, commonly known as scald-head.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for FAVUS
- vavus
- gavus
- tavus
- ravus
- fzvus
- fsvus
- fwvus
- fqvus
- favhs
- favjs
- fav8s
- fav7s
- favua
- favuz
- favux
- favud
- favuw
- dfavus
- fdavus
- fzavus
Etymology of FAVUS
The word "favus" originates from Latin. It ultimately derives from the Proto-Indo-European root "*dʰeh₁-", meaning "to suckle" or "to nurse". In Latin, the noun "favus" specifically referred to a type of honeycomb, especially the cells of bees that stored honey. Over time, the term expanded in usage and came to describe other similar structures, such as the crust-like eruption of the skin disease "tinea favosa" known as "favus" in English.
Similar spelling word for FAVUS
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