Malassezia Furfur

Generality

There Malassezia furfur it is a yeast normally present on the skin surface of most of the healthy population. However, on some occasions, this microorganism behaves as an opportunistic pathogen, so it can give rise to localized and / or systemic infections.

The presence of the Malassezia furfur it is considered important in the etiology of various diseases of the skin and associated structures, such as seborrheic dermatitis and pityriasis versicolor. Other pathological manifestations associated with the excessive proliferation of this yeast include allergic reactions, psoriasis, folliculitis, onychomycosis, dandruff and some forms of atopic dermatitis.
There Malassezia furfur it is able to proliferate on the skin surface thanks to a peculiarity: these yeasts feed on the fatty acids present in the sebum and those deriving from the decomposition of the skin cells; for this reason, they are considered real "diners".
In some susceptible individuals, infection by this microorganism can induce skin changes - such as scaly crusts, itching and redness - which, although localized, can be extremely annoying. Malassezia furfur it can release substances that can modify the normal pigmentation of the skin, producing the appearance of unsightly whitish or brown spots.
In general, the treatment of pathological conditions associated with the infection involves the use of antifungal drugs, to be applied locally on the skin or to be taken orally, according to the most appropriate regimen indicated by the doctor.

Features

There Malassezia furfur it is a fungus (more specifically, a yeast) that can be found as a component of the normal skin flora of most healthy adults (90%).

Being a saprophyte of the skin, this microorganism is usually harmless, however, when certain conditions favorable to its proliferation are established, it can act as an opportunistic pathogen.