Malassezia furfur (formerly known as Pityrosporum ovale) is one species of a group of related fungi (yeasts) naturally found on the skin surfaces of many animals and humans, and primarily known as the most common cause of dandruff. The disease caused is tinea versicolor. The skin condition seborrhoeic dermatitis is also thought to be caused by Malassezia furfur.

As the fungus requires fat to grow, it is most common in areas with many sebaceous glands: on the scalp, face, and upper part of the body. When the fungus grows too rapidly, the natural renewal of cells is disturbed and dandruff appears with itching (a similar process may also occur with other fungi or bacteria).

Other species of Malassezia have been identified including Malassezia pachydermatis (often found on dogs), Malassezia sympodialis, and Malassezia orbiculare.

External links

• IJMS Vol 29 No. 4 March 2004
• aafp Diagnosis and Managment of Common Tinea Infections July 1998

Basidiomycetes | Parasitic fungi