Malassesia pachydermatis produces a number of enzymes such as lipases and proteases, which destroy the skin barrier. If the skin is damaged, it causes more risk of inflammation. Although you can encounter these yeasts in any dog ​​or cat, there are a number of breeds that are at higher risk of getting a Malassezia infection.
West Highland white terriers, cocker spaniels, poodles, German Shepherds, collies, sharpei’s and Jack Russel Terriers.
Malassezia is not a contagious skin condition and can be seasonal.

The most obvious characteristic of a Malassezia infection is (severe) itching. We often see redness of the skin, an inflammation of the external auditory canal and very typical is a damp, musty smell of the skin. Excessive sebum production can occur and we often see one or more symptoms, for example baldness, redness, thickening of the skin and dark discoloration of the skin. Malassezia can occur locally or over the entire body. The areas that are affected first are ears, lips, muzzle, paws, lower side of the neck, armpits, groin, the perineum and anal glands. These are often somewhat damp spots, for example in mucous membranes or where mucous membranes pass to the skin.