While dandruff may run in families, there isn’t one gene that causes dandruff. However, predisposing factors like one’s individual sensitivity to oleic acid — which is produced when the microbe Malassezia feeds on naturally-occurring skin oils — can be inherited.[1] In addition, some gene mutations that are responsible for skin cell differentiation have been shown to exacerbate skin inflammation and oil production, two factors that contribute to dandruff.[2]
Can dandruff be inherited?
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•Last Updated: October 13, 2024