Malassezia Dermatitis
What is it?
Malassezia Dermatitis is a species of yeast that commonly colonises on the surface of the skin. It is very common in dogs as is also found in the ear canal and on mucosal surfaces
This particular type of yeast already occurs naturally on the skin however it is when the yeast overpopulates in one area that it comes irritable and causes the skin to become itchy and flaky. This condition is most commonly seen on dogs that have excess skin and/ or rolls of skin as that is where the infection occurs due to the humidity and the lack of cleaning. therefore it is common for breeds such as Pugs, Sharpei's, and Bulldogs to become infected. Sometimes it can be down to underlying allergic reactions as well or a previous infection that has occurred. Moreover, it has even been found to be caused by the overuse of antibiotics and the overuse of steroidal creams which has caused a secondary skin infection.
Breeds predisposed to this condition:
- Westie
- Basset
- American cocker
- Shih tzu
- Poodle
- Boxer
- CKC spaniel
- GSD
- Dachshund
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Itchy skin
- Red patches
- Scaly/ flaky
- Greasy with an offensive odour
- Thickened skin if has had infection for a long time or frequently occurs
- Darkened skin pigmentation
Where does it occur?
- Skin
- ear canal
- facial skin folds
- paw pads
- Armpits
- Groin
- Mucosal areas
Treatment, Prevention & control
The best thing is prevention, for this there is no vaccine however it is just a matter of cleaning. If you have a dog with known skin issues or with skin folds it is important to make sure that it is cleaned weekly if not daily in order to prevent the overgrowth of yeast. Using pet safe wet wipes or some pet safe soap, water and a bit of tissue is all that is needed.
If your dog already has an infection then it will need some antifungal topical skin treatment prescribed by a veterinarian to get rid of it or to just keep it manageable by lowering the number of yeast colonies on the skin to a more natural level.
