An atypical form of favus is undiagnosed for 50 years

Tinea capitis favosa, also termed favus, is a chronic inflammatory dermatophyte infection of the scalp usually caused by Trichophyton schoenleinii. It can be acquired during childhood or adolescence and typically persists into adulthood. The reported duration is wide, ranging from 10 days to 59 years. In addition to typical scutular favus on the scalp, several atypical manifestations of favus have been described, such as pityroides, psoriasiform and impetiginous forms. We describe a 55- year old woman who had crusts and scars on her scalp for 50 years. She did not receive a correct diagnosis or treatment until presentation to our clinic. She was diagnosed with atypical favus based on the clinical manifestations and a mycological examination, which detected Trichophyton schoenleinii.