Fungal acne, also known as pityrosporum folliculitis, is a type of acne caused by an overgrowth of yeast called Malassezia. While regular acne is caused by the bacterium Propionibacterium acnes, fungal acne is caused by a different type of microorganism that thrives in warm and humid environments, such as the skin’s surface.
How does fungal acne look like
Fungal acne usually appears as small, itchy, red bumps that can appear anywhere on the body, but most commonly on the chest, back, and face. These bumps can be mistaken for regular acne, but they may not respond to typical acne treatments, such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. In fact, using these treatments may even make fungal acne worse.
Treatment
The first step in treating fungal acne is to confirm that it is, in fact, fungal acne. A dermatologist can do a skin scraping and examine it under a microscope to determine if it’s caused by yeast. If confirmed, the next step is to treat it with antifungal medications, such as topical or oral ketoconazole or oral fluconazole.
Lifestyle
In addition to medication, there are also several lifestyle changes that can help prevent or reduce fungal acne. Since Malassezia thrives in warm and humid environments, it’s important to keep the skin cool and dry. This can be done by wearing loose-fitting clothing, avoiding tight and synthetic fabrics, and avoiding hot and sweaty environments. It’s also important to avoid using occlusive skincare products, such as heavy creams and oils, which can trap heat and moisture on the skin’s surface and exacerbate fungal acne.
It’s worth noting that fungal acne is not caused by poor hygiene, so simply washing the affected area more frequently is unlikely to help. In fact, over-washing or using harsh cleansers can actually strip the skin of its natural oils, which can make fungal acne worse.
Conclusion
While fungal acne can be frustrating to deal with, it’s important to remember that it is treatable with the right combination of medication and lifestyle changes. If you suspect you may have fungal acne, it’s best to consult a dermatologist to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.