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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Kerion and Favus?

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Kerion and favus are two medical conditions caused by fungal ringworm infections of the hair follicles of the scalp. Both conditions can lead to severe scarring and permanent hair loss, but they differ in their appearance and causative fungi.

  • Kerion is an inflammatory presentation that is usually caused by fungi such as Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum canis. It presents as a boggy plaque on the scalp and may lead to scarring alopecia. Cervical lymphadenopathy is often seen in patients with kerion.
  • Favus is a rare form of scalp infection caused by fungi such as Trichophyton schoenleinii and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. It is characterized by yellow cup-shaped crusts (scutula) that group together in patches, resembling a honeycomb. There are different clinical characteristics of favus, such as Favus pityroides, Favus psoriasiformis, Favus follicularis, Favus impetigoides, and Favus papyroides.

In summary, the key difference between kerion and favus is that kerion is caused by fungi such as Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum canis, while favus is caused by fungi such as Trichophyton schoenleinii and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Both conditions can lead to severe scarring and permanent hair loss in the scalp.

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  • What is the Difference Between Kerion and Favus?
  • Comparative Table: Kerion vs Favus

    • Comparative Table: Kerion vs Favus

    The main difference between kerion and favus is the causative fungi and their clinical presentations. Here is a table comparing the two conditions:

    Feature Kerion Favus
    Causative Fungi Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton verrucosum, Microsporum canis Trichophyton schoenleinii
    Description A severe inflammatory reaction resulting from a delayed immune response to the fungus, causing a painful, erythematous, boggy plaque with associated alopecia and scattered pustules A rare chronic inflammatory infection characterized by matted hair and formation of yellow, crusted cup-shaped lesions (scutula) around the base of the hairs
    Affected Age Groups Mainly affects children Affects both adults and children
    Potential Complications Permanent alopecia and scarring Permanent alopecia and scarring

    Both kerion and favus are fungal infections that can lead to severe scarring and permanent hair loss in the scalp.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.