Rainy seasons may not be all too well for your pets. The more humid the weather is the more they are prone to fungal infections leading to skin rashes. This skin condition is more commonly known as Malassezia infections.

Malassezia pachydermatis stems from yeast which is commonly located at the skin of most pets. This yeast more often than not survives causing no harm at all; however, in some cases, they can multiply and replicate in huge numbers.

Fungal infections are found on cats and dogs in the North American areas. It is not a major concern for pets in good shape, and is usually located in local parts of the skin. It maybe found on the anal sacs, ear canal, rectum and vagina of pets. Malassezia infections can cause infections to dogs of all ages and breeds, but are not as frequent in cats. A number of dog breeds have already developed an increased vulnerability in acquiring Malassezia infections.

Any allergenic factor or disease that penetrates the skin's defense system can trigger a Malassezia pachydermatis infection. Pets that have a persisting condition such as allergies, bacterial infection, or seborrhea are prone to irritating skin that often leads to Malassezia. Some pet breeds have weak immune system, particularly with their T lymphocytes. These are the fighting cells against Malassezia.

Symptoms

Signs of Malassezia infection start to appear in the highly humid periods of summer and will continue until fall. Skin itch the most common symptom with this skin condition. The dog can damage the skin due to persistent scratching. The yeast infection may be found on the local areas on the anal area, ear, toes, muzzle, or may cover the entire body itself. Pets in the latter case will not only have a foul, greasy smell but may also suffer from oily, scaly skin. Pets with local infections in the muzzle have the tendency of rubbing or scratching their face. You’ll notice pets shaking their heads and scratching their ears if the fungal infection is located in the ear. Toe infections make pets lick their feet persistently. Other symptoms may appear such as redness, hair loss, thickening of the skin and hyperpigmentation.

Treatment

There are several ways of treating Malassezia. In permanently eliminating the infection proper treatment is essential, whether it is an allergy, bacterial infection, or seborrhea. Once all of the root causes are remedied, then we can proceed to either generalized or localized treatment.

To present a non-suitable environment for Malassezia infections, skin lipids should be removed. Chlorhexidine shampoos that have a strength of 1% or more, and shampoos with active ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide and sulfur may also be applied. Human shampoos such as Selsun Blue are effective treatments against Malassezia in some dogs, although irritation may result there from.

In treating severe infection cases, or fore those that have a high resistance to topical products, itraconazole or oral ketoconazole may be directed for a number weeks. The responses in these treatments will be apparent in 1-2 weeks. However, within the next 3-5 weeks therapy will be needed.

Malassezia in the ears are prevented by constant hygiene in the ears twice daily. Ear cleaners which contain acetic or boric acids can help stabilize a certain pH that prevents the increase of yeast. After the cleansing treatment, it can be followed by proper topical medications.