Malassezia Yeast and the Skin Conditions It Can Cause

You may not have come across the term ‘Malassezia Yeast’ in your daily life. However, it is an important part of our skin’s ecosystem. It is naturally present on everyone’s skin and usually goes unnoticed until it leads to an annoying skin condition like seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff.

What is Malassezia Yeast?

Malassezia yeast is a yeast or fungi that is naturally present on our skin and is essential for keeping it healthy. Previously it was known by the name ‘Pityrosporum’. It is not a single species; in fact, there are 17 different types of species grouped under the term Malassezia yeast. Some of these are: 

(Note: M is the abbreviation for Malassezia)

• M. Globosa
• M. Dermatis
• M. Equi
• M. Furfur
• M. Restricta 
• M. Obtusa
• M. Pachydermatis
• M. Slooffiae
• M. Sympodialis
• M. Ovalis
• M. Japonica
• M. Nana
• M. Capre
• M. Yamatoensis
• M. Cuniculi

According to research by PubMed Central, These species are lipophilic in nature, which means that they feed on the fatty acids present in the sebum and oil. This is why this yeast is mostly present in areas of the body that are rich in or have active sebaceous gland activity. 

Malassezia breaks down the fats in our sebum and uses them as its main source of energy to survive. Most of the time, Malassezia is harmless; however, under certain circumstances, when there is an overproduction of yeast, it can lead to different skin conditions. 

But before we discuss those conditions, let’s examine what might be the cause of this Malassezia yeast overgrowth. 

What Causes the Overgrowth of Malassezia Yeast?

There are various factors that can contribute to the overgrowth of Malassezia. For some people, all of these factors might be causing the growth, while for others only one factor may be the reason.

Some of the most prominent factors pointed out by researchers are:

• Overproduction of Sebum:

As we have discussed before, Malassezia yeast survives on the fatty acids available in our sebum. So, any alteration, or more specifically, overproduction of sebum on the skin, provides a healthy environment for the yeast to grow in, which can ultimately lead to its overgrowth. 

• Hormonal Factor:

The hormonal changes in the body can also trigger the production of sebum, which can result in overgrowth of the yeast. This is often the reason why teenagers and babies are most likely to experience cradle cap and seborrheic dermatitis. 

• Geographical factor:

According to different research, geographic factors like living in warm, humid areas also play a role in the overgrowth of some species of Malassezia yeast. M. globosa grows rapidly in summer due to high temperatures and sweating. 

Which Skin Conditions Are Related to Malassezia Yeast?

Most of the time, Malassezia is pretty harmless, however under some circumstances, it can lead to certain skin conditions such as:

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition which is known as cradle cap or infantile seborrheic dermatitis when it appears in babies and infants. It causes thick, yellow, or white greasy scales to appear on the scalp and can cause redness, inflammation, and irritation in other parts of the body.

It usually develops on the body parts that have active sebaceous glands, such as the scalp, sides of the nose, chest, behind the ears, and eyebrows. It is caused by the overgrowth of Malassezia yeast on the skin, mostly M. globosa and M. restricta. 

Dandruff

Dandruff is a less severe form of seborrheic dermatitis. It is also believed to be caused by Malassezia. It usually causes thin white or yellow flakes to appear on the scalp, eyebrows, or beard. 

Unlike seborrheic dermatitis, it usually does not affect other parts of the body and does not cause redness. Oily dandruff is mostly caused by the overproduction of Malassezia yeast. In contrast, dry dandruff is believed to be caused by dry scalp. 

Malassezia Folliculitis

Malassezia or Pityrosporum Folliculitis, commonly known as fungal acne, is also believed to be caused by this yeast. When the Malassezia yeast causes an infection in the hair follicles, it can lead to the development of pustules, papules, and pimples on the skin. 

M. globosa,  M. sympodialis, and M. restricta are considered the most common culprits for this condition. Fungal acne causes symptoms that look similar to those of hormonal acne. However, it does not respond well to regular acne treatments and requires anti-fungal treatments. 

Pityriasis Versicolor

Pityriasis versicolor, also known as tinea versicolor, is caused by a Malassezia infection caused by M. furfur, M. sympodial, and M. globose. It causes skin discoloration that looks similar to scaly patches. 

These patches usually appear as pink, red, or light brown on people with lighter skin tones; on darker skin tones, they appear lighter than the original skin tone. These usually appear on the back, chest, upper arms, neck, and stomach. 

Neonatal Acne

According to research published in PubMed Central, neonatal acne in babies is also believed to be caused by Malassezia, more specifically, M. sympodialis. The production and colonization of this yeast start from the moment the baby is born. 

Sometimes, the maternal hormones in the baby’s body can trigger the production of sebum on the skin and lead to the overgrowth of Malassezia yeast, causing small white bumps and pimples to appear on the baby’s body. 

Psoriasis

Although psoriasis or psoriasis vulgaris is a chronic skin condition caused by an overactive immune system, it causes thick, scaly patches on the skin, known as plaques. Some researchers believe that Malassezia can aggravate the condition and make it worse, especially when it affects the scalp, eyebrows, ears, and trunk. 

Head and Neck Dermatitis

According to research published in Frontiers, head and neck dermatitis is a form of Atopic dermatitis that is more common in adults. This condition is usually caused by a hypersensitivity reaction of the immune system towards the Malassezia yeast antigens. 

Common culprits of this condition are M. sympodialis, M. globosa, and M. restricta. During atopic dermatitis, the skin’s pH level increases, which disrupts the skin barrier function and allows the Malassezia antigens to penetrate easily and trigger the immune response. 

It usually affects the eyelids, neck, and forehead, and the redness and itching associated with it look similar to eczema flare-ups. 

How Are Malassezia Yeast Skin Conditions Diagnosed?

Skin conditions associated with an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast are often diagnosed clinically by a doctor or dermatologist. The first step in the diagnosis is for the doctor to physically examine the symptoms caused by the condition. 

However, for further confirmation, they may perform skin scraping and examine the samples under a microscope with the help of potassium hydroxide (KOH). The presence of Malassezia fungus on the stratum corneum or the outermost layer of the skin can be detected with the help of a skin biopsy.

Some other common methods used to identify excess Malassezia yeast on the skin are tape stripping, swabs, and contact plates.  

Is Malassezia Yeast Contagious?

No, even though it is often known as Malassezia fungus, which gives the impression that it can be contagious. It is not; it is naturally present on the skin of every human being in this world. 

Its overgrowth is not caused by it being transmitted from others. It is all related to our own body. Plus the skin conditions caused by Malassezia are also not contagious. So, if you or your loved one is experiencing seborrheic dermatitis, don’t be worried about transmitting it to others. 

How to Reduce Malassezia Yeast on Scalp and Skin?

According to experts, the best way to treat skin conditions associated with Malassezia yeast is by controlling the production or population of Malassezia on the skin instead of eliminating it as a whole because it is also important to have healthy skin.

But how can you control or reduce the amount of Malassezia fungus on the skin and scalp? Here is how you can do it.

Medicated Shampoo and Body Wash

Use a medicated shampoo and body wash that contains any of the following ingredients:

• Pyrithione Zinc
• Coal Tar
• Ketoconazole
• Salicylic Acid
• Selenium sulfide

These ingredients have properties that reduce the Malassezia yeast on the scalp and skin. The ingredients listed above are “Active Ingredients” that can be found in OTC anti-dandruff shampoos in the United States. They have been used for decades to reduce the flakes, scales, itching, and irritation associated with seborrheic dermatitis, and dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis is the scientific name for “cradle cap.”

Malassezia Yeast Natural Remedies

Various natural remedies are mentioned on the internet, such as apple cider vinegar, raw honey, garlic, sea salt, and grapefruit seed extract are believed to be effective in controlling the population of Malassezia yeast. 

However, while these natural remedies may suit some people, they may cause skin allergies and other complications for others. So, it is essential that you consult a doctor before using any of them on your skin or scalp. 

Treating Seborrheic Dermatitis, Cradle Cap, and Dandruff

If you are searching for a skin-friendly medicated shampoo, face and body wash to eliminate the scaling, flaking, itching, and irritation on the scalp and skin associated with seborrheic dermatitis, and dandruff, then shop at Happy Cappy Products. 

Dr. Eddie, an award-winning pediatrician, has developed a line of products that are safe to be used on all ages, especially babies. These products are free from skin-irritating chemicals such as fragrance, sulfate, paraben, and phthalates. 

Happy Cappy Cradle Cap Shampoo can be used to soothe cradle cap in babies and children. 

Happy Cappy Anti-Seborrheic Dermatitis and Anti-Dandruff Shampoo can be used to help stop the recurrence of the symptoms associated with seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff in adults and teenagers. 

Conclusion

Malassezia yeast is an essential part of our skin’s ecosystem, but it can sometimes cause skin conditions, such as seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, dandruff, Malassezia folliculitis, and head and neck dermatitis. 

Although a doctor may be prescribing a different treatment plan to treat each of these conditions, one of the ways the condition may be improving is by controlling the population of Malassezia yeast on the skin and promoting a healthy microbiome. 

A fragrance-free medicated shampoo and body wash that contains pyrithione zinc, coal tar, ketoconazole, or salicylic acid can be used to control the production of yeast. 

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