Pityrosporum (Malassezia) ovale, which is lipid -dependent and found only on humans. P. ovale was later divided into two species, P.

Understanding the Context

ovale and P. orbiculare, but current sources consider these terms to refer to a single species of fungus, with M. furfur the preferred name. Explore the epidemiology, etiology, and management of malassezia-related infections such as seborrheic dermatitis and M.

Key Insights

folliculitis. Malassezia and Seborrheic Dermatitis: Understanding the Yeast Behind Your Flare-Ups If you have seborrheic dermatitis, you have almost certainly heard the word Malassezia thrown around. It is the microscopic yeast that lives on virtually every human being’s skin—yet somehow manages to cause misery for a select group of people. Understanding exactly what this organism does, why your skin ... Malassezia is a genus of yeast-like fungi that belongs to the class Malasseziomycetes.

Final Thoughts

These fungi are part of the normal skin microbiota of humans and other animals, commonly found on the skin surfaces, particularly in sebum-rich areas such as the scalp, face, chest, and back. What are Malassezia? Malassezia are fungal colonizers of humans and animals (Theelen et al 2018). They are best known as the cause of dandruff, a benign condition which affects about half of the adult population. They used to be called Pityrosporum, and many people still use the old name. Medscape: Beyond Spaghetti and Meatballs: Skin Diseases Associated With the Malassezia Yeasts Pityrosporum (Malassezia) folliculitis occurs when yeast on your skin multiplies and infects hair follicles.

Treatment includes antifungal medications and creams. Malassezia species inhabit the skin of about 90% of adults without causing harm. In some people, the yeast suppresses the body's expected immune response to it allowing it to proliferate and cause a skin disorder, often with very little inflammatory response.