A 34-year-old man has erythematous patches with greasy yellowish scales in the nasolabial folds, eyebrows, retroauricular area, and presternal region. Which organism is implicated in the pathogenesis of this condition?
- A Staphylococcus aureus
- B Candida albicans
- C Malassezia species ✓
- D Demodex folliculorum
Correct answer: C. Malassezia species
Explanation
Seborrhoeic dermatitis affects sebum-rich sites such as the scalp, nasolabial folds, eyebrows, ears, and presternal area with greasy yellow scales. Malassezia yeast plays a central role, and clinical improvement with ketoconazole or other antifungals supports this link. Demodex is linked to rosacea-like demodicosis, while Candida favours moist intertriginous sites.
Reference: Fitzpatrick's Dermatology, 9th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.