Scientists have tried to understand the mysteries of dandruff.

Earlier, dry skin, oily skin, washing the hair too often or not enough, on diet, stress or lack of personal hygiene were thought to be the cause of dandruff.

Dandruff’s real cause lies in a yeast-like fungus, Malassezia Globosa that lives on the scalp in millions and feeds on the oily products of sebaceous glands. It causes dandruff and a range of other skin conditions.

Scientists have decoded the DNA of fungus that could provide clues to how to combat it effectively. A team of scientists involved work for Procter & Gamble, manufacturers of Head & Shoulders, an anti-dandruff shampoo.

Dr. Thomas Dawson from Procter & Gamble’s Miami Valley Innovation Centre in Cincinnati, Ohio, report in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that the study can conclude ways to fight dandruff and a harmful infection threatening lives of newborns.

The fungus is sequenced with 4,285 genes, which is 300 times fewer than its human host.

Thomas Dawson, a scientist at P&G Beauty who led the study, said, “A complete genomic sequencing of a Malassezia genome opens tremendous opportunities for researchers to understand the interactions of fungi and humans.”

“It’s amazing that the understanding of the genetic make-up of a microscopic organism can have broad implications ranging from human health to agricultural science.”

Researchers said M. globosa is capable of excreting more than 50 different enzymes that help digest and break down compounds in the hair and scalp.

The stated in report, “The M. globosa genome sequence also revealed the presence of mating-type genes, providing an indication that Malassezia may be capable of sex.”

Scientists said they grew 10 liters (quarts) of fungus, “equal to the amount of fungus that would be found on the heads of 10 million people.”

An average human head provides a home for up to 10 million M. globosa fungi. Anti-dandruff shampoos do not eradicate the fungus, but they do control it.