Malassezia Folliculitis in the Setting of COVID-19

AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo review recent literature onMalassezia folliculitis and explore its association with COVID-19.Recent FindingsReports ofMalassezia folliculitis in the setting of COVID-19 are scarce. Shared characteristics between affected individuals include male sex, obesity, intensive care, and administration of systemic antibiotics and systemic steroids. Dexamethasone can potentially stimulate sebum production and therefore lead toMalassezia proliferation. The clinical picture ofMalassezia folliculitis accompanying COVID-19 is similar to classic descriptions but tends to spare the face and predominates in occlusion sites.SummaryMalassezia folliculitis is under-recognized. Fever, sweating, occlusion, immobility, antibiotics, and dexamethasone contribute to COVID-19 patients developingMalassezia folliculitis. Antifungal therapy, together with correcting predisposing factors, is the mainstay of management. Future research should explore the relationship between systemic steroids and other acneiform reactions.
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research