Dandruff itself is not a fungus, but it is caused by the presence of a naturally occurring fungus called Malassezia globosa. This fungus exists on the scalps of most healthy adults, but if it grows too rapidly, it can cause the scalp to flake and produce visible dandruff.
While Malassezia globosa is a contributing factor to dandruff, it's important to note that other factors can also play a role, such as:
- Sensitivity to hair care products: This is known as contact dermatitis and can cause irritation and flaking.
- Dry scalp: This is often confused with dandruff but doesn't involve the same fungal activity.
- Other scalp conditions: Such as seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis, which can also cause flaking.
Understanding the role of this fungus and other factors is crucial for treating dandruff effectively.
