What is the primary cause of dandruff?

The primary cause of dandruff is a yeast-like fungus known as Malassezia. This fungus is a natural inhabitant of the scalp but can become problematic for some individuals, especially if there is an overgrowth. When Malassezia proliferates, it can lead to an inflammatory response in the scalp, resulting in the characteristic flaking and irritation associated with dandruff. The fungus feeds on the oils produced by the scalp, and its metabolic byproducts can contribute to the scaling and itch that many people experience.

Other causes of dandruff, such as dry scalp, allergic reactions, and hormonal changes, may play a role in individual cases but do not account for the majority of dandruff issues. While a dry scalp can lead to flakiness, it is not the root cause that initiates the dandruff condition; instead, it is often the result of other factors, including environmental influences. Allergic reactions can cause irritation and flaking but are less common as a primary factor compared to Malassezia. Hormonal changes might affect oil production in the scalp, but again, the direct link to dandruff is not as significant as that of the yeast-like fungus. Understanding the role of Malassezia is essential for effectively addressing and managing dandruff