Malassezia
skin infections
When to
consider Malassezia as a cause
•
• Suspect atopic
cases that are skin testing negative
or vague
•
• Facial
itching (pruritis)-
fits of muzzle/nose self trauma
•
• Seborrhoeic
malodorous dermatitis
•
• Foot (pedal fold) dermatitis
•
• Steroid
resistant pruritis
•
• Ventral neck
dermatitis
•
• When nothing
else works
Clinical
signs
of
Malassezia
dermatitis and Seborrhoeic dermatitis
•
• Pruritis
(mild to severe)
•
• Fits of
muzzle/nose pruritis only sign
•
• Erythema
especially an early sign
•
• Papules and
gyrate erythema
•
• Scaly,
erythematous, waxy plaques
•
• Traumatic
alopecia
•
• A yeasty
greasy malodour
•
•
Lichenification
•
•Hyper
pigmentation
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Electron microscope appearance of
Malassezia yeasts |
Dif Quik stain showing Malassezia yeasts
and bacteria |
Greasy form of Malassezia associated with
seborrhoeic dermatis |
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Typical Bassett hound Malassezia |
Typical ocular, armpit
and muzzle alopecia
and lichenification
with Malassezia |
Typical chin and muzzle lesions in chronic
Malassezia infections |
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Axillary alopecia and lichenification with
seborrhoea associated Malassezia and Staph overgrowth |
Typical peri-ocular signs
in a Cocker Spaniel |
Chronic seborrhoea associated with Malassezia
and Staph infection. A quick resolution with systemic therapy and
Malaseb |
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Typical Malassezia waxy otitis. Wax is usually
darkly pigmented |
Peri-ocular lesion associated with Malassezia |
Typical Malassezia pedal dermatitis- did not
respond to steroids.
Resembles atopy. |
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Two year old poodle with Atopy and Malassezia
pododermatitis |
This dog took on fits of muzzle scratching. It
was a rare form of Malassezia infection |
Malassezia dermatitis
with lichenification
and hyper-pigmentation |
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Face, peri-ocular and ventral neck signs |
Typical signs
in a Shar Pei |
Same Shar Pei-
the ventral neck is a
good place to sample |
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Mother and daughter with chronic seborrhoeic
dermatis before
Malaseb shampoo |
One year on- still on Malaseb shampoo |
Typical West Highland Terrier Malassezia
associated seborrhoeic dermatitis |
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Treatment
We use Malaseb shampoo as directed 2-3 times a week
followed by Aloveen conditioner.
If bacteria are present, we give anti biotics, sometimes for
several weeks.
Severe cases are given an oral anti-fungal drug called
Ketaconazole. |
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