Root cause of dandruff
and seborrheic
dermatitis
Root cause of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis

For the majority of us, a type of fungus – Malassezia spp. – naturally lives on our skin1.

Various natural and environmental factors such as oil glands secretions, Malassezia spp. overgrowth, individual vulnerability, and interactions between these factors, all contribute to the origin and development of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis1.

Possible causes of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis1,2

Malassezia spp. overgrowth

Higher numbers of Malassezia spp. relates to the appearance of the condition.

The higher the number of Malassezia spp. detected, the more severe the seborrheic dermatitis.

Oil Gland Activity

Excess rich oil production allows Malassezia spp. to thrive, leading to overgrowth.

Individual Vulnerability

Contributing factors include:
Emotional Stress Skin Barrier Integrity
Genetics
Neurogenic Factors
Nutrition

Emotional Stress1,3

Seborrheic dermatitis is more commonly observed in people under emotional stress. Stress is also known to promote oil gland activity which can indirectly cause Malassezia spp. to thrive and overgrow.

Skin Barrier Integrity1

null Disrupted skin barrier function can contribute to aggravation of dandruff. In fact, dandruff sufferers have been shown to be more responsive to irritants produced by Malassezia spp.

Genetics1

null Changes in an individual’s genes could disrupt biological processes believed to influence an individual’s susceptibility to dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.

Nutrition1

null Nutrition has been studied as a possible contributing factor for seborrheic dermatitis. Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B3 deficiency can cause seborrheic dermatitis-like rash.

Neurogenic factors1

null Neurogenic factors could provide favourable conditions for Malassezia spp. overgrowth.

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VIEW REFERENCES

  1. Borda LJ, Wikramanayake TC. Seborrheic Dermatitis and Dandruff: A Comprehensive Review. J Clin Investig Dermatol. 2015;3(2):10.13188/2373-1044.1000019.
  2. American Hair Loss Association. Infectious Agents. Available at: https://www.americanhairloss.org/types_of_hair_loss/infectious_agents.html. [Accessed 6 May 2022].
  3. Dawson JR, Thomas L. Malassezia Globosa and Restricta: Breakthrough Understanding of the Etiology and Treatment of Dandruff and Seborrheic Dermatitis Through Whole-Genome Analysis. Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings. 2007; 12:15-9.

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