Dandruff is a pesky problem that most people will encounter at some point in their lives. For some, it resolves spontaneously, but for others, it can be a chronic condition that they have to manage every day. The causes of dandruff can vary, but one of the leading reasons why those flakes dust your shoulders is due to an overgrowth of fungus. When most people think about fungal skin infections, they think of candida albicans, a type of yeast. And when it comes to your scalp, it too can be colonized by yeast. However, there are many different types of yeast that grow in specific areas of the body. Here is everything you need to know (and more) about the yeast that causes dandruff.

Malassezia is the primary fungus that can proliferate and cause flaking of your scalp. It is a type of yeast that thrives in an oily and moist environment. Malassezia is actually the name of the group of yeasts that can colonize the skin, and there are several different types of species. The most common species involved in dandruff include M. restricta and M globosa. These species are often the culprit behind common dandruff-causing conditions like seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis. Sometimes, Malassezia can also infect the hair follicles, causing inflammation and eventual hair loss.

Research shows that 90% of humans will be colonized with Malassezia after birth. For many people, the fungus lives on our skin without causing any problems. However, given the right environment, it can become overgrown and cause infection and inflammation.

Most people will not undergo diagnostic testing for Malassezia unless their dandruff is severe or they have scalp concerns. Most dermatologists can look at the scalp and determine if Malassezia is the culprit behind any issues based on the presentation of your skin. For example, an overgrowth of this yeast often causes redness, flaking, and sometimes bleeding, especially if a person has been scratching. If a formal diagnosis is required, your doctor will scrape your skin and look at it under the microscope.

While most people can live in harmony with yeast, some people are predisposed to having it suppress their immune system so that it may increase in numbers. When left to grow out of normal proportions, yeast can cause a skin disorder like dandruff.

Certain factors can also increase your chance that you will suffer from yeast overgrowth, including:

• Living in a humid environment
• Sweating often
• Having oily skin, especially on the scalp, face, and chest
• Dealing with acne and its various treatment forms like antibiotics and tetracyclines
• Battling immunodeficiency caused by infections like HIV or taking immunosuppressant medications.

More and more studies are also suggesting that diet can influence yeast growth, even on the skin. People who eat a diet heavy in processed foods and refined sugars may be more prone to yeast overgrowth, as simple sugars easily fuel these fungi. Poor hygiene practices and health conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and hypothyroidism can also create an environment for yeast to proliferate.

A topical antifungal medication is the best remedy for treating Malassezia. The most common treatment is ketoconazole, which can be found in some shampoos that help combat dandruff. Along with its antifungal properties, ketoconazole can also treat hair loss from androgenic alopecia due to its ability to suppress the conversion of Testosterone to DHT, which accumulates in the pores and causes hairs to become thinner and weaker, eventually falling out completely.

Aside from ketoconazole, the most potent agent against dandruff, especially the hard-to-treat kind, is zinc pyrithione 2%, which can rid the scalp of both fungi and bacteria. Indeed, it is one of the most effective treatments for seborrheic dermatitis (a common cause of dandruff), which can be a chronic problem even with treatment.

Zinc pyrithione is in many over-the-counter shampoos. However, most of those shampoos contain additional ingredients that can aggravate the scalp, causing further irritation and flaking. If you are struggling with dandruff, you need to find a product that has clinically proven ingredients to support your scalp and hair health. The Dandrene Anti-Dandruff shampoo from DS Laboratories contains multiple ingredients, with clinical studies proving their effectiveness in combating dandruff. The 9 key ingredients in Dandrene include:

• Zinc Pyrithione 2%
• Hexamidine diisethionate
• Pomegranate peel extract
• Hydrolyzed lupine protein
• Glycolic acid 5%
• Shikimic acid
• Tioxolone
• Emu oil
• Rosemary extract

Dandrene is a medicated shampoo, so just like all medications, there are specific directions for using it. To maximize dandruff control, you will want to use it at least 4 to 5 times per week unless otherwise indicated by your doctor. To apply, wet your hair thoroughly and massage Dandrene into your scalp with a gentle massage. Leave the shampoo in for 2-3 minutes and then rinse.

Follow shampooing with the Dandrene Anti-Dandruff conditioner, which is the only medicated conditioner on the market that can offer antimicrobial effects and oil control. Like the shampoo, it also contains zinc pyrithione and also has:

• Amodimethicone
• Aloe vera
• Menthol
• Peppermint oil
• Polysylicone 15, and
• Keratin complex

Using the Dandrene conditioner with each wash not only helps further the actions of the Dandrene shampoo, but also keeps the hair and scalp hydrated and reduces oil production.

Many products make it seem as though we have to compromise how our hair looks and feels when we need to treat yeast overgrowth. The Dandrene line does not leave your hair limp after use. Rather, it restores shine and hydration to your whole head, making it easy to treat any cause of dandruff while making you look and feel good.