Fungal dermatitis was diagnosed in two captive gray seals (Halichoerus gryp
us) and four harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) between 1992 and 1994. Trichophy
ton mentagrophytes. Malassezia spp., and Yarrowia (Candida) lipolytica were
isolated. Erythematous, thickened, alopecic skin lesions were present on t
he face and on the flippers, particularly around the nail bed. The two most
important environmental factors associated with development of fungal derm
atitis appeared to be excessive chlorination of pool water and warm water t
emperature.