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Health

Acne-causing bacteria can treat dandruff by resetting scalp microbiome

An acid produced by an acne-causing bacterium reduced the severity of people's dandruff by adjusting their scalp's microbiome

By James Woodford

21 May 2024

Cutibacterium acnes is often associated with acne, but also appears to play a role in dandruff

Science Photo Library/Alamy

The same bacteria that commonly cause acne may also help prevent dandruff, highlighting the role of the microbiome in managing both skin conditions.

Dandruff is often caused by too much of the fungus Malassezia restricta disturbing skin renewal, making cells on the scalp cluster together and form white flakes. It is commonly treated with chemicals that kill M. restricta, but the dandruff returns when the treatment stops.

To find a more lasting therapy, Viduthalai Regina at the Singapore Centre for…

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