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Malassezia Dermatitis

Malassezia Dermatitis | MicroMed Probiotic Spray for dog

DESCRIPTION: There are 18 known types of malassezia however only one, Malassezia pachydermatis is commonly found on dogs.  Many breeds are susceptible to this yeast : Basset Hounds, West Highland White Terriers, Shih Tzus, English Setters, American Cocker Spaniels, Boxers, Dachshunds, Poodles and Australian Silky Terriers.   

Symptoms can include: 

  • Lesions, most often seen between the toes and back of the neck, armpits, groin area, the external ear canal or folds  
  • pruritus or itch, is usually always present 
  • Erythema (a rash with or without papules); reddish bumps and blisters which can spread outward, creating ulcerations or round “bulls eye” lesions (red circles with a central white area) 
  • Scaling 
  • Greasy exudation 
  • Hyperpigmentation/lichenification; leathery, elephant-like skin 
  • Malodour 
  • Cheilitis/muzzle erythema; these cases often exhibit progressive facial pruritus  

CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT: Treatment is with antifungals. 

MicroMed Note: Malassezia is a sign of a microbial system out of balance on the skin, and often deeper than that.  This may have occurred due to overuse of anti-microbial whereby if all bacteria is killed including this beneficial microbes, this paves the way for pathogenic bacteria to take hold.  If we determine where this imbalance originates it is likely to have begun in the gut, as well as the skin, through a process of microbial alteration, leading to inflammation and possibly this in turn leading to a Leaky Gut, also known as Intestinal Permeability.  This is where the gut becomes too permeable and substances that should not gain access to the bloodstream, do and this in turn sets up an accumulating immune reaction.  It is little wonder that outbreaks of pathogenic yeasts and fungi are evident when there are so many animals with such compromised gastro-intestinal tracts.  Re-establishment of the microbial balance is necessary, to help reduce inflammation out-compete pathogens and restore equilibrium.  Studies show that the microbial balance can now affect whole body health - or disease.  We recommend using MicroMed’s Oral Probiotic preventatively.