Ecological dynamics of Malassezia in the hair follicle homeostasis, dysbiosis, and disease

The hair follicle serves as the foundation of a complex ecological system within the skin microbiome. Among its inhabitants, fungi contribute to maintaining a healthy microenvironment, helping prevent infections caused by pathogenic organisms such as keratinophilic fungi. However, excessive fungal growth can itself lead to inflammatory diseases. Malassezia is a lipophilic yeast that resides as a commensal organism within the hair follicle under homeostatic conditions. Its overgrowth is associated not only with a wide range of cutaneous disorders but has also been implicated in tumor progression and cancer onset. This review explores the multifaceted roles of Malassezia, including its colonization patterns, ecological niches, and disease associations. Given its dual nature-both protective and pathogenic-further research is needed to clarify its functions and to inform the development of targeted therapies for Malasseziaassociated skin and hair disorders.