Document Detail


The role of sebaceous gland activity and scalp microfloral metabolism in the etiology of seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  16382662     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Most common scalp flaking disorders show a strong correlation with sebaceous gland (SG) activity. Early SG activity in the neonate results in microfloral colonization and cradle cap. After maternal hormonal control subsides, there is little SG activity until puberty, when the SG turns on under sex hormone control. When the SG activity increases, the present but low Malassezia population has a new food source and proliferates, resulting in the scalp itching and flaking common to greater than 50% of adults. Dry scalp flaking, dandruff, and seborrheic dermatitis are chronic scalp manifestations of similar etiology differing only in severity. The common etiology is a convergence of three factors: (1) SG secretions, (2) microfloral metabolism, and (3) individual susceptibility. Dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis (D/SD) are more than superficial stratum corneum disorders, including alteration of the epidermis with hyperproliferation, excess lipids, interdigitation of the corneal envelope, and parakeratosis. The pathogenic role of Malassezia in D/SD has recently been elucidated, and is focused on their lipid metabolism. Malassezia restricta and M. globosa require lipids. They degrade sebum, free fatty acids from triglycerides, consume specific saturated fatty acids, and leave behind the unsaturates. Penetration of the modified sebaceous secretions results in inflammation, irritation, and scalp flaking.
Authors:
Byung In Ro; Thomas L Dawson
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  The journal of investigative dermatology. Symposium proceedings / the Society for Investigative Dermatology, Inc. [and] European Society for Dermatological Research     Volume:  10     ISSN:  1087-0024     ISO Abbreviation:  J. Investig. Dermatol. Symp. Proc.     Publication Date:  2005 Dec 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2005-12-30     Completed Date:  2006-02-23     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  9609059     Medline TA:  J Investig Dermatol Symp Proc     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  194-7     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Chung Ang University, Seoul, Korea.
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Dermatitis, Seborrheic / etiology*
Disease Susceptibility
Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / metabolism
Humans
Lipid Metabolism
Malassezia / metabolism*
Scalp / microbiology*
Scalp Dermatoses / etiology*
Sebaceous Glands / secretion*
Sebum / chemistry,  metabolism
Chemical
Reg. No./Substance:
0/Fatty Acids, Unsaturated

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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