Favus herpeticus is a medical term that refers to a rare, chronic, and severe form of the skin infection known as favus that resembles the appearance of herpes lesions. Favus itself is a fungal infection caused by the fungus Trichophyton schoenleinii, which primarily affects the scalp and occasionally the skin, nails, or other areas of the body.
The term "herpeticus" is derived from herpes, referring to a family of viruses that cause blister-like skin lesions. In the case of favus herpeticus, this description is used metaphorically to illustrate the resemblance of the favus lesions to those caused by a herpes infection.
The distinguishing feature of favus herpeticus is the formation of thick, yellow crusts on the scalp, which can spread across the affected area and lead to permanent hair loss. These crusts may resemble the erosions or blisters commonly associated with herpetic skin lesions, thus the term favus herpeticus.
Treatment of favus herpeticus typically involves antifungal medications, such as oral griseofulvin, to eradicate the fungal infection. Additionally, topical treatments and personal hygiene measures are employed to manage the crusts and prevent further spread of the infection.
Due to its chronic and severe nature, favus herpeticus requires prompt medical attention to prevent complications and minimize scarring or permanent hair loss. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for achieving a successful outcome in managing this condition.
