Scalp Fungal Microbiome and Sebum Composition in Males With and Without Androgenetic Alopecia
September 2022
in “
Medical Mycology
”
TLDR Scalp fungi and sebum differences may affect hair loss in men.
The study investigated the scalp microbiome and sebum composition in 55 male Japanese patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and 63 healthy individuals. It found that Malassezia restricta was the predominant fungus in both AGA and non-AGA groups, but colonization was more extensive in those with AGA. Additionally, triglyceride levels were higher in the AGA group, while levels of free fatty acids, squalene, and free cholesterol were lower. These findings suggest that the scalp fungal microbiome and sebum composition may influence the development of AGA.