Malassezia Dermatitis

Question 1

what species of Malassezia causes dermatitis

Answer 1

Malassezia pachydermatis

Question 2

Malassezia pachydermatis

Answer 2

commensal yeast in skin of dogs and cats

overgrowth leads to marked pruritus

Question 3

how does overgrowth of Malassezia pachydermatis occur

Answer 3

almost always SECONDARY to something else (usually allergic dermatitis)

Question 4

clinical signs of Malassezia dermatitis

Answer 4

pruritus

NO classical lesions or patterns
distribution depends on the primary disease process

Question 5

diagnosis of Malassezia

Answer 5

acetate tape prep w/ diff quik stain

Question 6

treatment of Malassezia

Answer 6

topical: chlorhexidine, miconazole, climbazole, terbinafine
- can be used as a sole therapy or as an adjunctive to systemic therapy

if sole therapy: use daily
if adjunctive: use several times weekly

Question 7

systemic treatment of Malassezia

Answer 7

fluconazole, itraconazole, terbinafine (cats + dogs)

ketaconazole in dogs only

duration: 3-4 weeks