What is Fungal Acne?

Fungal acne is a skin condition called pityrosporum folliculitis. It is one of many types of folliculitis, an infection in your hair follicle. It's caused by an overgrowth of a yeast called Malassezia that most people have naturally on their skin. But, when your hair follicles are damaged (for instance, when you shave) or blocked, the yeast can grow into the hair follicle and cause an infection.

What Causes Fungal Acne?

The cause of fungal acne is an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast that has infected your hair follicles. Damage may happen to your follicles when you:

• Rub skin against skin, clothes, or other materials often (chafing)
• Wax, pluck, or shave your hair
• Use a hot tub or whirlpool
• Rub or touch your skin often

Fungal Acne vs. Regular Acne:

It's common for fungal acne to be confused with regular acne (acne vulgaris). Both types lead to pimples because they are both caused by an infection in your hair follicles, which are the pores that surround the roots and strands of your hair.

The difference is in what causes the infection. In fungal acne, the infection is caused by a fungus called Malassezia yeast that's gotten into your hair follicles because they're damaged or blocked. In regular acne, your hair follicles are blocked with dead skin, oil, and bacteria.

Fungal acne can look like regular bacterial acne, but there are a few key differences. Regular acne varies in size and usually shows up as cysts, blackheads, and/or whiteheads. Fungal acne typically appears as uniform red bumps and tiny white pustules. These bumps don’t usually come to a head and they can sometimes feel itchy.

How to treat Fungal Acne?

Unfortunately, we cannot treat Fungal Acne at Skincare Laser Clinic.

Fungal acne is often treated with either topical or oral antifungal medications. Two of the most effective oral antifungal medications are Fluconazole and Itraconazole. Topical options include creams and shampoos. Some of these can be bought over the counter, such as Selsun Blue shampoo or Lotrimin cream, or a healthcare provider can prescribe stronger types.

Topical treatments are often the first way of treatment before deciding if oral medication is needed. Topical options can include the following active ingredients:

• Econazole
• Ketoconazole
• Selenium sulfide shampoo (also used as a dandruff treatment and prevention)

How to Prevent Fungal Acne?

There are many ways to reduce the chances of getting fungal acne that is both simple and preventative:

• Showering and changing out of tight clothes immediately following a workout
• Being careful when shaving, plucking, and/or waxing
• Only using well-kept and clean hot tubs
• Washing and drying bathing suits in between each use
• Wearing loose clothing, especially in hot or humid weather or when exercising
• Using dandruff shampoos a few times a week, especially if you are having a breakout
• Eating a balanced diet