In the veterinary clinic, skin infections are a regular problem. Most often, these infections are secondary, and it remains essential to identify the underlying cause - think allergies, endocrine abnormalities or disrupted cornification. For effective treatment, it is important to distinguish between pyoderma and Malassezia dermatitis, and properly assess the severity and depth of the infection.

Pyoderma: superficial or deep?

At surface pyoderma, usually caused by Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, skin defenses are still intact. In these cases, according to KNMvD guidelines, corticosteroids can be used if necessary.

At superficial or deep pyoderma however, skin defenses are impaired, and corticosteroids are not designated. The preference then is for a topical treatment in milder forms, and a combination of topical and systemic For deeper infections.

In practice, improvement of skin lesions and itching is usually seen within 2 weeks. Is there no result after 4 weeks? If so, further investigation is in order.

Malassezia dermatitis: customized approach by severity

At Malassezia dermatitis severity and location guide treatment choice:

• Topical treatment Is suitable for mild, localized complaints
• Systemic treatment is indicated in generalized or more severe forms

A degreasing shampoo is often effective for this condition. It removes excess grease, dirt and flakes, and allows active ingredients to better reach their target. An example of this is Maxani Dirt Off, which can be used specifically as a pre-wash for Malassezia-related skin complaints.

For Malassezia at the cuticle - visible as black edges around the nail - can be worked daily with a locally applicable product such as the PyoMax Brush.

The PyoMax line: effective and skin-friendly

The new PyoMax line from Maxani is designed for animals with disturbed skin flora due to bacteria or yeasts. These products combine 3% chlorhexidine digluconate with two additional purifying and conditioning ingredients, and are aimed at:

• Cleanse and purify without drying out the skin
• Support restoration of balanced skin flora
• Softening and moisturizing through the addition of oatmeal extract, allantoin and glycerin

Application in practice

A topical treatment requires a good balance between intensity and skin respect:

• Wash 3x a week for 2-3 weeks is a common scheme
• If you combine with mousse or spray, the frequency may be lower
• Preferably use a skin shampoo, as this will also remove allergens and toxins from the skin

Note: leave the shampoo at least soak for 10 minutes for optimal operation. The operating time after use is on average 72 hours.

Summary

When treating skin infections in dogs and cats, customization is essential. Determine the type of infection, assess its severity and choose a targeted approach that not only fights but also supports skin repair. With products such as the PyoMax line is effective approach combined with respect for the skin - a combination that can make the difference in many cases.