Dandruff
•Dandruff is a common scalp condition marked by white flakes on the scalp and itching.
•It appears to be caused by the fungus, Malassezia furfur, M. globosa, M. restricta . Malassezia is normally found on the scalp.
•Hormone imbalances, stress, immune suppression, infrequent shampooing, illness, or increased oil production will increase the growth of Malassezia.
•Malassezia metabolizes triglycerides present in sebum by the expression of lipase, resulting in a lipid by product oleic acid (OA).
•Penetration by OA of the top layer of the epidermis results in an inflammatory and cleavage of stratum corneum cells.