Describe the symptoms of favus of the scalp.
The disease begins as a superficial inflammation or hyperæmic spot, more or less circumscribed, slightly scaly, and which is soon followed by the formation of yellowish points about the hair follicles, surrounding the hair shaft. These yellowish points or crusts increase in size, become usually as large as small peas, are cup-shaped, with the convex side pressing down upon the papillary layer, and the concave side raised several lines above the level of the skin; they are umbilicated, friable, sulphur-colored, and usually each cup or disc is perforated by a hair. Upon removal or detachment, the underlying surface is found to be somewhat excavated, reddened, atrophied and sometimes suppurating. As the disease progresses the crusting becomes more or less confluent, forming irregular masses of thick, yellowish, mortar-like crusts or accumulations, having a peculiar, characteristic odor—that of mice, or stale, damp straw. The hairs are involved early in the disease, become brittle, lustreless, break off and fall out. In some instances, especially near the border of the crusts, are seen pustules or suppurating points. Atrophy and more or less actual scarring are sooner or later noted.
Itching, variable as to degree, is usually present.
What is the course of favus of the scalp?
Persistent and slowly progressive.
Fig. 66.
Achorion Schönleinii X 450. (After Duhring.)
Showing simple mycelium, in various stages of development, and free spores.
What are the symptoms of favus when seated upon the general surface?
The symptoms are essentially similar to those upon the scalp, modified somewhat by the anatomical differences of the parts. The nails, when affected, become yellowish, more or less thickened, brittle and opaque (tinea favosa unguium, onychomycosis favosa).