Dog Skin Itching & Greasiness: Possible Malassezia Infe

What is Malassezia Dermatitis?

Malassezia is a type of yeast that not only resides on dogs but also on humans, albeit in small amounts. Typically, this yeast remains dormant on our bodies. However, when certain issues arise, such as prolonged exposure to damp environments or excessive oil production, Malassezia can multiply rapidly, leading to skin conditions. For instance, if a dog develops an allergic reaction to Malassezia or if the yeast overgrows on their skin, it can result in Malassezia dermatitis.

It's important to note that the presence of Malassezia is not straightforward. An overgrowth of this yeast might indicate underlying issues such as atopic dermatitis, food allergies, keratinization disorders, endocrine diseases, metabolic disorders, or longterm use of corticosteroid medications, all of which can trigger Malassezia dermatitis.

II. Symptoms of Malassezia Dermatitis

Dogs suffering from Malassezia dermatitis may exhibit moderate to severe itching, along with symptoms like localized or generalized hair loss, skin flaking, redness, and oiliness. Chronic cases may show lichenification, hyperpigmentation, and hyperkeratosis, along with an unpleasant odor. Typically, affected areas include between the toes, under the armpits, in the groin, on the abdomen, and in skin folds. Some dogs may also develop onychomycosis, characterized by brown nail bed discharge, and may concurrently suffer from yeast otitis externa.

III. Treatment for Malassezia Dermatitis

As mentioned earlier, identifying and correcting underlying causes is crucial in treating Malassezia dermatitis, which is also essential to prevent recurrence.

For mild infections, a single topical treatment is often sufficient. This can include medicated shampoos, such as those containing 2% ketoconazole, 1% ketoconazole, or a mixture of 2% chlorhexidine. The recommended use is to apply these shampoos every 23 days. It's best to use shampoos with two active ingredients for enhanced efficacy. Remember, the treatment should be consistent and should not be interrupted until the symptoms disappear and no Malassezia is detected through cytology.

For moderate to severe cases, systemic treatment with oral medications is necessary. This may involve 10mg/kg of ketoconazole or fluconazole, taken once daily, until the dog recovers. Alternatively, 510mg/kg of itraconazole can be administered daily until healing. Generally, moderate to severe cases of Malassezia dermatitis may take about four weeks to cure.

It's worth noting that although corticosteroids can alleviate itching, they should not be used to treat this condition, as they can exacerbate Malassezia dermatitis and lead to severe recurrence. The itching associated with Malassezia dermatitis usually subsides within a few days after the aforementioned treatments.

Given that the treatment for this condition can be lengthy, pet owners must be highly cooperative and assist their pets in completing the treatment cycle to ensure optimal results.

Tip from Oxygen Pet Doctor: Malassezia dermatitis in dogs is not contagious to humans, so pet owners can confidently assist in the treatment process. We hope that pet owners can show their dogs plenty of patience.