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What is a common cause of dandruff?

  1. Dry scalp

  2. Oily scalp condition

  3. Fungal infection

  4. Excessive washing

The correct answer is: Fungal infection

A common cause of dandruff is a fungal infection, specifically an overgrowth of the Malassezia yeast which is naturally present on the scalp. When this yeast proliferates, it can lead to irritation and an accelerated turnover of skin cells, resulting in the flaking that is characteristic of dandruff. This condition is often exacerbated by factors such as stress, hormonal changes, and certain skin conditions, making the presence of the fungal infection a significant contributor to the development of dandruff. While other factors like dry or oily scalp conditions and excessive washing can influence scalp health, they do not directly cause dandruff in the same way that a fungal infection does. These conditions may lead to irritation or contribute to an environment that is either too dry or too oily, but they are secondary to the primary issue of fungal imbalance.