Propionibacterium acnes is commonly associated with acne, but also appears to be linked to dandruff
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Bacteria that commonly cause acne may also help prevent dandruff, highlighting the role of the microbiome in controlling both skin conditions.
Dandruff is usually caused by an overabundance of fungi Malassezia restricta Interferes with skin renewal, causing cells on the scalp to clump together and form white flakes. Usually treated with chemical drugs that kill Restricted tuberculosisBut dandruff will return after stopping treatment.
In order to find a more durable treatment, Vidutale Regina Professor Lee Hsien-Sen from the Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering in Singapore and his colleagues are working to reset the microbiome.
The research team observed 65 volunteers, 32 of whom suffered from dandruff. The researchers had the volunteers use the same shampoo for three weeks as a wash-out period between all previous treatments and the start of the new study. The team then observed the microbial composition of the volunteers’ hair follicles and scalp.
In people without dandruff, the most abundant species in the scalp microbiome were Propionibacterium acneswhich is thought to play a role in acne. Propionibacterium acnes Propionic acid is also produced, which seems to maintain Restricted tuberculosis The most abundant microorganisms were located in the dandruff group Malassezia Fungal flora.
The team also found that the microbiota within the scalp and hair follicles of individuals were similar, suggesting that the bacteria originate in the hair follicles and spread to the scalp.
In another part of the experiment, which was funded in part by L’Oréal, researchers followed 57 people with moderate to severe dandruff. Some were asked to use a lotion containing propionic acid alongside their shampoo two or three times a week for up to 28 days. The rest used a control lotion.
“Administration of propionic acid may help reset the (biota) community balance and reduce dandruff symptoms,” the team wrote in their paper.
Yusuf Mohammed Researchers at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia, said the study was striking, especially because it was tested both in the lab and on humans.
He said the paper demonstrated how important it was to address the underlying causes of dandruff, otherwise a cycle would set in that promoted fungal growth.
“Using propionic acid can shift the balance Propionibacterium acnes“So if you break the cycle at the right time, the fungus won’t grow out of control.”
Reflection Propionibacterium acnes As for dandruff, Mohammed said: “It’s amazing how nature works. Propionibacterium acnes It plays a very important role in the health of the hair follicle, but in acne, when the pores become clogged, it is a pathogenic bacteria.”
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