Malassezia and the Asian Menopausal Skin

June 2025

Bala Davient, Jagpreet Kaur Rikhraj, Aarthi Ravikrishnan, Pritisha Rozario, Cheryl Leong, Ahmad Nazri Mohamed Naim, Nathania Chan, John Common, John C. Chambers, Yik Weng Yew, Marie Loh, Niranjan Nagarajan, Thomas L. Dawson, Thomas Larry Dawson

Malassezia M. globosa post-menopausal skin disorders sebum inflammation keratinocytes cytotoxicity pro-inflammatory responses cytokines IL-1α TNF-α skin lipids barrier dysfunction

TLDR Menopause-related skin changes may increase fungal infections and inflammation.

This study investigates the role of Malassezia, a dominant fungal resident of the skin, in post-menopausal skin disorders among 345 Asian women. The research found that post-menopausal women have a higher prevalence of Malassezia species, particularly M. globosa, which correlates with reduced sebum levels and increased inflammation. The study demonstrated that Malassezia can invade keratinocytes, leading to cytotoxicity and strong pro-inflammatory responses, with elevated production of cytokines like IL-1α and TNF-α. The findings suggest that menopause-related changes in skin lipids and thickness may increase fungal burden, promoting inflammation and barrier dysfunction, and highlight potential targets for therapies addressing post-menopausal skin conditions.