What is Malassezia known for causing?

Malassezia is a genus of yeast that is commonly found on the skin and is primarily known for its role in causing dandruff and similar scalp conditions. It thrives on the natural oils produced by the scalp and can lead to an inflammatory response that results in the formation of visible flakes of skin, which are indicative of dandruff. This yeast can disrupt the natural balance of the scalp's microbiome, contributing to the excessive shedding of skin cells.

While it is true that Malassezia can be associated with conditions that may lead to hair loss or oily scalp due to increased oil production, its most direct and hallmark manifestation is the appearance of dandruff. This makes the association with visibly shed skin cells the most accurate and relevant choice regarding the effects of Malassezia.