Yeast infections of the skin, also known as malessezia dermatitis, are fungal infections of the skin. Yeast infections occur in response to a primary problem, such as seborrhea, immune deficiencies, or increases in skin oils as with allergic reactions.
Yeast infections can occur in cats, though they more commonly affect dogs. Certain breeds of dogs are genetically predisposed to yeast infections, including Australian Terriers, Basset Hounds, Chihuahuas , Cocker Spaniels, Dachshunds, Lhasa Apsos, Maltese, Poodles, Shetland Sheepdogs, Silky Terriers, and West Highland White Terriers. Yeast infections are not contagious.
Symptoms of a yeast infection of the skin include a crusty appearance to the skin, an odor, rash, and/or itching. Eventually the skin may thicken and take on the appearance of elephant skin. The entire body may be affected or just parts of the body. Diagnosis can be done through several tests, including an impression smear, scotch tape sampling, skin scraping, or skin biopsy. Treatment may be topical, oral or both, though in many cases topical treatment alone is not sufficient. To prevent future recurrences, the underlying problems must also be controlled. |
