Why Some Skin Infections Just Won’t Go Away

Often you will have pets who have a bacterial or yeast (fungal) infection that is being treated, but the problem just never seems to go away. Or you may have the “bacterial” problem that smells like yeast to you. Here are the facts:

1. Bacteria and yeast (fungus) are in competition. If you just treat one, often the other one will take off.
2. Bacterial and yeast (fungal) infections are almost always secondary. Meaning, something else is going on. Bacteria and fungus are present on our skin and hair normally and only when given an opportunity do they over-grow. Therefore, most commonly, there is another issue that has allowed the bacteria/fungus to over-grow.
3. One of the more common causes of infection is an interruption of the sebum layer. Often this is caused by grooming products that strip the hair and skin and the lack of good hydrating conditioners leaving the sebum layer compromised.

I recommend the All-in-One Therapy Pack to address skin issues, that way you deal with both the bacteria and the fungus at the same time.

Signs a Pet Has a Bacterial or Yeast Skin Infection

Bacterial skin infections (pyoderma) and yeast infections (most often Malassezia) can look similar, and it is common for a pet to have both at the same time. Watch for:

• Red, inflamed or itchy skin
• Pustules, bumps, crusts or circular scaly patches
• Greasy or waxy skin and coat
• A musty, sour or “corn chip” odor, which often points to yeast
• Darkened, thickened skin in chronic cases, especially in armpits, groin, paws and ears
• Hair loss in affected areas

Why the Infection Keeps Coming Back

When an infection returns again and again, the problem is rarely the bacteria or yeast alone. These organisms live on healthy skin all the time. They overgrow only when the skin gives them an opening. That is why treating the infection without fixing what allowed it usually leads to a repeat.

Common reasons the skin barrier breaks down include:

• Allergies to food, fleas or the environment, which cause scratching and inflammation
• Hormonal disease such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease. See relief from hormonal skin disease
• A stripped sebum layer caused by harsh shampoos, over-bathing or skipping conditioner
• Treating only one organism, so the other takes over
• Moisture trapped in skin folds, under mats or in the ears

How to Break the Cycle

1. Find the underlying cause. Work with your veterinarian on allergies, blood work or hormone testing so the trigger is addressed.
2. Treat bacteria and yeast together. Because they compete, addressing both at once keeps one from replacing the other. The All-in-One Package is designed for this.
3. Cleanse gently. Avoid detergent-heavy products that strip the skin. Our article on why to use a gentler shampoo explains the difference.
4. Always condition. A hydrating conditioner replaces the sebum layer that protects the skin. Learn why replacing the sebum layer matters.
5. Be consistent. The skin renews itself in roughly 21 days, so judge results over several weeks, not one bath.

Shop our products for crusty, itchy or irritated skin and oozing or wet sores, or schedule a product consultation for a plan for your pet.

When to See Your Veterinarian

See your veterinarian if the infection spreads, the skin is painful or bleeding, your pet has a fever or seems unwell, or the problem returns after treatment. A skin cytology or culture can identify exactly which organisms are involved and guide treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my dog’s skin infection keep coming back?

Recurring infections are usually secondary to another problem, such as allergies, hormonal disease or a damaged sebum layer. Bacteria and yeast normally live on the skin and only overgrow when something weakens the skin barrier.

How can I tell if my dog has a yeast or bacterial infection?

Yeast often causes greasy skin and a musty odor, while bacterial infections often show pustules, crusts or circular scaly patches. Many pets have both. A veterinarian can confirm with skin cytology.

Should bacteria and yeast be treated at the same time?

Yes. Bacteria and yeast compete on the skin, so treating only one often lets the other overgrow. Addressing both together helps prevent the infection from switching back and forth.

Can grooming products cause skin infections?

Harsh, stripping shampoos and skipping conditioner can damage the sebum layer that protects the skin, giving bacteria and yeast the opportunity to overgrow.