Acne in any form can be extremely irritating, and needless to say they are also painful. Whether it is your face or any part of the body, surprisingly, acne can appear anywhere. One of the most annoying forms of acne is fungal acne which is a type of infection in the skin’s hair follicles. In this video, Dr. Aanchal Panth explains what fungal acne is, how it is caused, and how one can treat them.

What is fungal acne? 

Dr. Panth explains that fungal acne is caused by a yeast called Malassezia furfur, which is present on the skin of a healthy person. This yeast is often seen on the back and the shoulder area. However, one can develop fungal acne anywhere on the skin. In some situations, this fungal acne can reach the hair follicles and can cause infections. 

Why do we get fungal acne?

Though there are different causes of fungal acne, one of the most common is steroids. Dr. Aanchal says that a person who has been taking steroids for a long time, their immunity eventually gets weak, and it results in the reduction of the ability of the body to fight infection. With this, yeast in the body overgrows causing fungal acne. 

The second reason that a person may develop fungal acne is immunosuppressants. Drugs that reduce the ability of the skin to form a bunch of specific cells against the body are referred to as Immunosuppressants. Dr. Panth says that these drugs can lead to reduced ability of the skin to fight against infections, and as a result, these fungi overgrow causing fungal acne. 

Interestingly, even antibiotics can cause fungal acne. Now, this will confuse people that a drug that fights bacteria can also cause fungal acne. Dr. Panth explains that people who are on an antibiotic for a longer time experience reduction of bacteria on the skin, which results in the overgrowth of fungus causing fungal acne. Our skin consists of a delicate amount of microflora which protects the skin from other organisms to grow. However, someone who is on antibiotics for a long time experiences a decline in these bacteria which leads to growing fungus on the skin, and as a result, fungal acne is caused on the skin. 

Dr. Aanchal says that people who have dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis are also prone to fungal acne. When a person suffers from scaly patches, inflamed skin, and stubborn dandruff, it is called seborrheic dermatitis. During this condition, the skin makes conducive oil which promotes the growth of fungal acne. 

On the other hand, a hot and humid climate is also a reason which causes fungal acne.

What does fungal acne look like?

Fungal acne is tiny red bumps that are commonly seen on the forehead, nose, mouth, back, and sometimes on the chest as well. To differentiate between acne and fungal acne, one must know that acne is of different types including nodules, cysts, and blackheads. However, the absence of whiteheads and blackheads with similar-looking lesions points toward fungal acne.  The treatments for fungal acne and acne vulgaris are also different. 

How to treat fungal acne? 

Dr. Panth emphasises that it is important for a person with fungal acne to visit a dermatologist as this condition cannot be treated at home. If diagnosed with fungal acne, then one should avoid using hair oil and shampooing their hair often. 

One should prefer wearing cotton clothing and avoid wearing synthetic or chiffon clothing. This type of clothing leads to the accumulation of sweat causing fungal acne. A person must wear ironed clothes to reduce the chances of the recurrence of this fungal acne.

Medications which are recommended by dermatologists to treat fungal acne are - fluconazole, ketoconazole, and itraconazole depending on the type of infection one has. 

Other medications which are prescribed by doctors to treat fungal acne are salicylic acid and sulphur lotion. On the other hand, some of the commonly given antifungal medications are zinc pyrithione, piroctone olamine shampoo, and ciclopirox. Dr. Panth explains that the dermatologist prescribes the medication seeing the kind of fungal acne and its severity. 

Conclusion 

Lastly, Dr. Aanchal says that if one is suspecting that he or she is suffering from fungal acne, then they should visit a dermatologist and not treat the condition at home.