What is Fungal Acne And How Do You Treat It
Fungal acne is a very common but misunderstood skin issue that looks like regular acne but behaves very differently. There are many people that struggles with tiny, itchy breakouts that does not improve with normal products which then leads to frustration and confusion.
What Is Fungal Acne Actually Is
Fungal acne is basically not acne it is an infection of the hair follicles which caused by an overgrowth of a yeast called Malassezia. It appears as a clusters of small , red, itchy bumps of a similar size and is confused with bacterial acne.
It requires different type of treatments like antifungal creams or shampoos. This is caused by various other reasons like:
- Yeast overgrowth: Malassezia is a type of yeast which is normally found on the skin, but an overgrowth can lead to fungal acne.
- Tight clothing: Prevents the skin from breathing and trapping sweat.
- Antibiotics: It can disrupt the balance of skin leading to overgrowth of yeast.
How It Is Different From Regular Acne
| Fungal Acne | Regular Acne |
| Fungal acne is caused by yeast overgrowth. | While on the other hand regular acne is caused by bacteria and clogged pores. |
| It appears as small, same sized bumps. | It appears as whiteheads, blackheads and inflamed pimples. |
| It is often itchy | While it is not. |
| Mostly happens on forehead, chest and back | It can happen anywhere on the body. |
| It worsens with sweat and humidity. | It is mostly influenced by oil, hormones and skincare products in some cases. |
Also Read: Signs of Hormonal Imbalance Showing On The Skin
Tips To Treat Fungal Acne
Healthcare professionals treat Malassezia folliculitis by prescribing oral or topical antifungal medications.
According to cleveland clinic some effective treatments are oral antifungal medications such as:
- Fluconazole
- Itraconazole
Dermatologists recommend topical treatments before deciding whether oral treatments are needed, some examples are:
- Econazole
- Ketoconazole
- Selenium sulfide shampoo which also helps to prevent dandruff.
Fungal acne clears faster when right antifungal treatments and simple habits are followed consistently. With proper care and the right routine the skin becomes smoother, calmer and far less prone to recurring flare ups.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- How to treat fungal acne during pregnancy?
Generally, skin treatments containing erythromycin (Erygel, Erythra-Derm) and clindamycin (Cleocin T, Clindagel, others) are considered safe. Other options include treatments containing benzoyl peroxide and azelaic acid. - How long does fungal acne take to clear?
Fungal acne will generally not go away on its own. Fungal acne is a yeast infection that occurs when there is an overgrowth of yeast on the skin and leads to an infection in the hair follicles. Without treatment, fungal acne can take months to recede. - What skincare is good for fungal acne?
Treatment for fungal acne typically involves topical and/or oral antifungal medications such as: Ketoconazole cream, shampoo, and tablets (Extina) Clotrimazole cream (Mycelex, Lotrimin AF) Ciclopirox cream and shampoo (Loprox, Penlac)
