Malassezia dermatitis is caused by a microscopic yeast organism called Malassezia pachydermatis. This organism is found on healthy dogs’ skin, and will generally not cause any problems. Sometimes, however, the organisms do cause skin irritation or inflammation generally because your dog already has an underlying skin condition, an underlying hormonal problem or because your dog’s immune system suddenly decides to launch an attack against the organism.

Your dog will have red, moist, itchy and possibly painful skin. The excessive scratching will lead to hair loss and scrapes. A secondary bacterial infection may follow.

Malassezia dermatitis most commonly develops secondarily to allergies or atopy. Hormonal and other inflammatory conditions can also lead to malassezia dermatitis. And finally, malassezia dermatitis can also be a primary condition that appears to be caused by an inappropriate reaction of your dog’s immune system.

Malassezia dermatitis is diagnosed based on physical exam findings, clinical history and cytological evaluation of the impacted skin. Blood testing and allergy testing may also be used to search for a potential primary cause.

Anti-fungal medications and medicated shampoos will be used to treat this condition. Additional treatments may be necessary to address any potential underlying causes.

For cases in which malassezia dermatitis is caused by a primary condition, preventing the primary condition will help prevent the development of Malassezia dermatitis.

No, you cannot get malassezia dermatitis from your dog.