The role of Malassezia sp, sebum level and Trans Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL) toward the dandruff severity between hijab and non hijab wearing subjects

Abstract

Dandruff is a common symptom in adolescence, which possibly due to increasing of Malassezia sp. colonization, sebum level as well as skin hydration. Wearing hijab is predicted to increase the humidity and sebum level lead to increase the number of Malassezia sp. and dandruff severity. A case-control study was conducted on 19 female with dandruff who wear hijab and 19 female with dandruff who do not wear hijab, age between 18 and 27 years old. The dandruff severity was defined clinically using a scoring system (0-100), only subjects with minimum score of 28 will be included in this study. The sebum and trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) levels were measured with Sebumeter and Tewameter from Courage Khazaka. The Malassezia sp. was examined using microscopic examination of the squama and culture in the Saboraud medium. There were no significant differences found between hijab and non-hijab groups for dandruff severity. No difference found between two groups for sebum level, Malassezia sp. number microscopically, and Malassezia sp. colonization. Only TEWL level in hijab group that was found to be higher than non-hijab group. Wearing hijab does not increase the dandruff severity, sebum level and colonization number of Malassezia sp. Wearing hijab is found to increase the TEWL level.