Malassezia Health Dictionary

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Malassezia: From 1 Different Sources

(Pityrosporum) n. a genus of yeasts producing superficial infections of the skin. The species M. furfur (including P. orbiculare and P. ovale) causes *pityriasis versicolor.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Dandruff

n. visible scaling from the surface of the scalp. It is extremely common, occurring in about 50% of the population, and is associated with the presence of the yeast Malassezia furfur. It is the precursor of seborrhoeic *eczema of the scalp, in which there is a degree of inflammation in addition to the greasy scaling. Dandruff can be controlled by shampoos containing tar, selenium sulphide, pyrithione zinc, or imidazole antifungals. Medical name: pityriasis capitis.... dandruff

Eczema

n. a common itchy skin disease characterized by reddening (*erythema) and vesicle formation, which may lead to weeping and crusting. It is endogenous, or constitutional, i.e. outside agents do not play a primary role (compare dermatitis), but in some contexts the terms ‘dermatitis’ and ‘eczema’ are used interchangeably. There are five main types: (1) atopic eczema, which affects up to 20% of the population and is associated with asthma and hay fever; (2) seborrhoeic eczema (or seborrhoeic dermatitis), which involves the scalp, eyelids, nose, and lips, is associated with the presence of Malassezia yeasts and may also be seen in HIV infection; (3) discoid (or nummular) eczema, which is characterized by coin-shaped lesions and occurs in adults, especially on the limbs; (4) *pompholyx, affecting the palms and soles; (5) gravitational (or stasis) eczema, associated with poor venous circulation and incorrectly known as varicose eczema.

Treatment of eczema is with regular emollients and topical corticosteroids. Other treatments include topical *calcineurin inhibitors, phototherapy, and systemic immunosuppressants. There is emerging evidence that effective treatment of eczema helps to reduce the risk of subsequently developing asthma and hay fever. —eczematous adj.... eczema

Folliculitis

n. inflammation of hair follicles in the skin, commonly caused by bacterial infection. Folliculitis caused by Malassezia yeasts may be related to HIV infection.... folliculitis

Pityriasis

n. (originally) any of a group of skin diseases typified by the development of fine branlike scales. The term is now used only with a modifying adjective. Pityriasis alba is a common condition in children in which pale scaly patches occur on the face; it is related to atopic *eczema. Pityriasis rosea is a common skin rash, believed to be viral in origin, typically starting with a single patch (a herald patch) on the trunk and followed by an eruption of oval pink scaly *macules. The spots are often aligned along the ribs. The rash usually clears completely in about eight weeks. Pityriasis versicolor is a common chronic infection of the skin caused by the yeast Malassezia furfur, which produces a persistent pale or brown scaly rash on the trunk. Treatment with *selenium sulphide shampoo or with oral itraconazole readily kills the organism but the skin may take months to regain its normal colour. See also dandruff.... pityriasis

Pityrosporum

n. see Malassezia.... pityrosporum

Yeast

n. any of a group of fungi in which the body (mycelium) consists of individual cells, which may occur singly, in groups of two or three, or in chains. Yeasts reproduce by budding and by the formation of sexual spores (in the case of the perfect yeasts) or asexual spores (in the case of the imperfect yeasts). Baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces) ferments carbohydrates to produce alcohol and carbon dioxide and is important in brewing and breadmaking. Some yeasts are a commercial source of proteins and of vitamins of the B complex. Yeasts that cause disease in humans include *Candida, *Cryptococcus, and *Malassezia.... yeast

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