The cause of dandruff on the scalp, the fungus is called malassezia

Everyone is prone to having dandruff scalp, but it's certainly a shame when there is so much dandruff you have, that it drops off like snow and hangs on your shoulders. What exactly causes dandruff on a person's scalp?

The cause of dandruff appears on the scalp

Research conducted by Jiao Tong University to 59 participants aged 18 to 60 revealed that the presence of fungus on the scalp is the most common cause of dandruff on the surface of the scalp.

In protecting the skin from bacteria and moisturizing the skin, the sweat glands produce sweat or what is known as sebum. But it turns out, the fungus that is on the human scalp (which is called malassezia) is a typical fungus that feeds on the fatty substance contained in sebum.

Malassezia which eats sebum then produces digestive waste in the form of fatty acids which can actually irritate the scalp and ultimately inhibit the metabolism and growth of new scalp cells. Disrupted growth of scalp cells will cause flaking of the scalp, which is characterized by itchy white, dead skin flakes.

Uniquely, this condition is also influenced by the durability of your scalp. Each scalp produces sebum and grows fungi on the surface of the scalp, but that does not necessarily make the entire human scalp dandruff. This condition is because the scalp of each person has different sensitivity and resistance to the fatty acids produced by the malassezia fungus.

Factors that make you more prone to dandruff

Some of the factors that are thought to increase the risk of dandruff on your scalp include:

1. Age

If you are between the ages of 15 and 35, don't be surprised if you get dandruff more frequently. This cause of dandruff is supported by a study which revealed that sebum production has increased at the age of 15 to 35 years. Increased sebum will certainly increase the presence of fatty acids on the surface of the scalp.

2. Gender

Several studies have shown that men are more prone to having dandruff scalps. This led the researchers to assume that a person's gender influenced the presence of dandruff on the scalp.

3. Types of oily scalp and hair

Generally this condition is an inherited condition. However, because malassezia feeds on fatty substances contained in oil, if you have an oily scalp and hair, this will increase your chances of having a dandruff scalp.

4. Certain diseases

Although further research is needed, people with Parkinson's disease and HIV infection tend to be more susceptible to skin diseases that can lead to dandruff on the scalp (seborrheic dermatitis).

When should you see your doctor for dandruff?

Although most cases of scalp dandruff do not require a doctor's examination, you should immediately consult a doctor or dermatologist if you have tried various shampoos and dandruff drugs but your dandruff does not go away. Also consult a doctor if your scalp shows other symptoms, such as redness.

How to deal with scalp dandruff

Here are some things you can do to treat scalp dandruff:

• Actually washing hair regularly with regular shampoo is able to reduce oil on the scalp and ultimately control dandruff. However, if this method still fails, you are allowed to change the shampoo into a special shampoo for dandruff scalp which usually contains selenium sulfide and zinc which are believed to control the presence of dandruff on the scalp.
• Don't scratch it. Although in most cases, the presence of dandruff on the skin causes the scalp to feel itchy, scratching will worsen the condition.