Pet Info > Dermatology > Malasezzia infection
Malassezia skin infections
When to consider Malassezia as a cause of a skin problem
- S
uspect 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
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.