What fungus is known to cause visibly shed skin cells on the scalp?

The fungus known to cause visibly shed skin cells on the scalp is Malassezia. This yeast-like fungus is a normal inhabitant of the skin but can become problematic under certain conditions, leading to issues such as dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis. When Malassezia grows excessively, it can disrupt the normal skin barrier, leading to inflammation and an increase in the turnover rate of skin cells. This results in the shedding of dead skin cells, which often appear as flakes on the scalp.

In contrast, while mold is a type of fungus, it does not specifically target the scalp or cause skin cell shedding in the same way Malassezia does. Seborrhea refers more to the condition itself characterized by oily and flaky skin, not the organism causing it. Thrush is a fungal infection caused by Candida, primarily affecting mucous membranes and not typically associated with scalp flaking. Therefore, understanding the role of Malassezia helps in recognizing its connection to scalp health and skin cell turnover.