A comparative clinical study of dandruff: evaluating barrier function, ceramide levels, and microbiome composition across ethnicities

Ariana Bitton, Jolanta Idkowiak-Baldys, Amina Bouslimani, Eddy Hsi Chun Wang, Jyotsna Paturi, Ying Chen, Cecile Clavaud, Nada Baalbaki

INTRODUCTION

Dandruff is a common scalp condition affecting a significant portion of the post-pubescent population globally.

Current research points towards a connection with a dysbiosis in the scalp microbiome, specifically, an overgrowth of Malassezia and Staphylococcus.

Malassezia can contribute to dandruff through disrupting the keratinocyte layers, metabolizing sebum into inflammatory compounds, and producing indole derivatives like malassezin that can influence scalp inflammation and barrier disruption.

Ceramides are crucial lipids in the SC, and changes in their composition and quantity are linked to various skin conditions.

This study explores an impact of ethnicity on dandruff scalp characteristics: ceramides and microbiome.