Malassezia Folliculitis in the Setting of COVID-19

Abstract

Purpose of Review To review recent literature on Malassezia folliculitis and explore its association with COVID-19. Recent Findings Reports of Malassezia 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 to Malassezia proliferation. The clinical picture of Malassezia folliculitis accompanying COVID-19 is similar to classic descriptions but tends to spare the face and predominates in occlusion sites. Summary Malassezia folliculitis is under-recognized. Fever, sweating, occlusion, immobility, antibiotics, and dexamethasone contribute to COVID-19 patients developing Malassezia 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.

In vitro Evaluation of Fungal Susceptibility and Inhibition of Virulence by Diosgenin

“…Systemic infections mainly affect the bloodstream, central nervous system, liver, spleen, heart, and kidneys. Systemic candidiasis is associated with high mortality rates and resistance to antifungal drugs [5–7] …”