The Role of Sebaceous Gland Activity and Scalp Microfloral Metabolism in the Etiology of Seborrheic Dermatitis and Dandruff

August 2005 in “ Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings ”

Byung In Ro, Thomas L. Dawson

sebaceous gland scalp microfloral metabolism Malassezia yeasts M. restricta M. globosa sebum lipids unsaturated fatty acids inflammation scalp flaking antifungal treatments immunodeficiency nutritional disorders yeast fungal infection skin inflammation dandruff scalp irritation

TLDR Dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis are caused by yeast feeding on scalp oils, leading to irritation and flaking.

The document explored the etiology of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, focusing on the role of sebaceous gland activity and scalp microfloral metabolism. It found that increased sebaceous gland activity provided nutrients for Malassezia yeasts, particularly M. restricta and M. globosa, which metabolized sebum lipids, leaving irritating unsaturated fatty acids that caused inflammation and scalp flaking. The study emphasized that these conditions involved deeper epidermal changes and were not just superficial skin disorders. The effectiveness of antifungal treatments supported the role of Malassezia in these conditions, and factors like immunodeficiency and nutritional disorders were found to exacerbate them.

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