Fungal Acne: Everything You Must Know

Ok, what’s the deal? You are an adult but STILL plagued by itchy, uniform, flesh-colored or pink-colored pimples and bumps on your face, chest, and back. Is this the same acne you had as a teenager? Why is it not going away? What is going on? As if dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis were not enough, now you can’t seem to shake these annoying zits.

Don’t worry, we are here to help you. Adults can experience acne too, and sometimes it’s not hormonal acne but, in fact, something else altogether called fungal acne. So, are there different types of acne? Yes. Read this blog to learn everything about fungal acne, from its causes and symptoms to its treatment and how to prevent it from flaring up again.

What is Fungal Acne?

The internet has many great resources on fungal acne, a common skin condition that is also known as “Pityrosporum folliculitis” or “Malassezia folliculitis.” It causes an infection in hair follicles that leads to pimples and bumps that look quite similar to regular acne. 

Malassezia yeast is a type of fungus that lives naturally on the skin. However, sometimes, especially when there is an overproduction of the yeast, it can cause an infection in your hair follicles and lead to small, red, itchy bumps on the skin. Sometimes these bumps turn into whiteheads and can be filled with white or yellow pus.

It is often confused with hormonal acne or regular acne, as both conditions develop similar symptoms. But the treatment for fungal acne is different from acne vulgaris. For fungal acne, usually keeping the skin clean with the help of a fungal acne cleanser can do the trick. 

Before we jump into how to treat fungal acne, let’s first discover what might be causing it.

What Causes Fungal Acne?

According to researchers, fungal acne is believed to be caused by a grease-loving yeast that naturally lives on our skin, Malassezia yeast, which was previously known as Pityrosporum. This yeast is actually essential for maintaining a healthy skin microbiome.

It thrives in areas of the body that are rich in an oily substance that protects your skin called sebum. This yeast needs the oils in your skin to survive. However, overproduction of sebum on the skin can lead to its overgrowth, which can lead to different skin issues. In fungal acne, the yeast then penetrates into the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. 

In response, the skin cells that protect the skin trigger an inflammatory response that leads to the red, itchy bumps. While Malassezia is the main cause of this acne, there are some other common factors that can trigger or worsen the condition, such as

• Poor hygiene
• Bad eating habits
• Excessive rubbing of the skin
• Oily skin
• Hormonal imbalance
• Waxing, plucking, or shaving
• Weather conditions
• Allergic reaction
• Low hydration

Knowing your triggers can help you prevent future flare-ups, so keep an eye out for what makes your fungal acne worse or contact a dermatologist. 

What Does Fungal Acne Look Like?

Fungal acne breakouts look more like a rash than the usual acne. It causes clusters of small bumps on skin that may be skin-colored, red, pink, or brown. And all the bumps are of the same size and shape.

These bumps only appear on the hair follicles, so they cannot affect your palms and soles.

Even though breakouts in this condition may look similar to hormonal acne, they are quite different. Here are some other common fungal acne symptoms to help you identify the condition.

• Burning Sensation
• Rashes 
• Itchy Skin
• Pain
• Redness and Swelling
• Papules and Pustules
• Irritated Skin

These bumps usually appear on the forehead in symmetric rows and are scattered on the cheeks. However, they can also affect other parts of the body, such as

• Chin
• Forehead
• Chest
• Back
• Upper arms
• Shoulders
• Neck 

Fungal acne breakouts usually appear brown or darker than the skin color on darker skin tones and red or pinkish on lighter skin tones.

Risk Factors

Anyone who has overactive sebaceous glands and Malassezia yeast on the skin is more likely to experience this condition, which is why it is more common in people who are already experiencing dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis (cradle cap in babies). However, there are certain factors that can make you more prone to developing the condition. 

• Humid Weather

High humidity creates a favorable environment for the yeast. It can grow even faster in warm, moist weather.  

• Immune System Dysfunction

A weak immune system makes it difficult for the skin to control the growth of yeast, which, as a result, can lead to malassezia folliculitis. 

• Fungal Infections

If you are already experiencing other fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot, then it can make you more prone to experiencing fungal acne. 

• Using Oil-based Skincare Products

Oil-based skincare products can clog the pores on the skin and make the condition worse. 

• Excess Sweating

Excess sweat can get trapped in the hair follicles, especially if the skin is not cleansed properly, and promote the growth of the yeast. 

• Oily Skin

Oily skin means that the skin is producing excess sebum, which can trigger the growth of malassezia yeast and trigger fungal acne. 

• Diabetes 

You might be wondering how diabetes can make you prone to fungal acne. When you have diabetes, your immune system becomes weak, and so does the skin barrier function, which makes it difficult to control the growth of yeast on the skin. 

So if you are experiencing acne for a long time and it’s getting worse instead of better, then it is best to consult a dermatologist to make sure if it’s fungal acne. 

Fungal Acne vs Hormonal Acne

Hormonal acne, also known as acne vulgaris, is often confused with fungal acne due to the similar-looking symptoms, and most people don’t know about fungal acne. Both conditions may look similar, but it is essential to distinguish them because the treatment for acne vulgaris will not make your fungal acne better.

Here are a few common differences between fungal acne vs regular acne. 

Diagnosing Fungal Acne

Fungal acne is often confused with other similar skin conditions, such as heat rash, eczema, and hormonal acne. So, if you are unsure about why you are experiencing those itchy, red bumps, then it is best to consult a doctor. They can accurately diagnose your condition and provide you with the right treatment plan. 

To diagnose your condition, the dermatologist will

Physical Examination 

First, physically examine your symptoms and ask you a few questions, like

• How long have you been experiencing breakouts?
• What treatments have you used?
• Are you experiencing intense itching and irritation?
• Which areas of your body are most affected by it?

Diagnostic Tests

They may also perform some simple tests like: 

• Skin scraping: A small sample of your skin is examined under a microscope for the presence of yeast. 

• Skin biopsy: A deeper skin sample is tested to rule out the condition. This would be rare. 
• Wood lamp examination: A special UV light is used in this test, which shows the presence of yeast on the skin. 
• KOH prep: In this test, skin cells are dissolved to reveal the fungal elements. 

These tests would be performed to diagnose the condition and to ensure that no other underlying issue is contributing to it. 

Can Fungal Acne Go Away on Its Own?

No, fungal acne typically does not resolve on its own. In fact, without proper treatment and care, the condition can become worse and lead to excessive itching, irritation, and discomfort. 

That is why following a proper fungal acne skincare routine that includes the use of a hypoallergenic fungal acne wash is essential to reduce the presence of yeast on the skin and prevent the condition from getting worse. 

Fungal Acne Treatment

If you are wondering, how do I get rid of fungal acne? We have got your answer. The yeast that causes fungal acne is the same one that causes the redness, scaling, and irritation associated with seborrheic dermatitis.

In order to get rid of acne and bumps, it is important to control the production of Malassezia yeast on the skin. This can be easily done by making a few lifestyle changes and following a proper skincare routine.

Fungal Acne Skincare Routine

The first step in your skincare routine should be to keep the skin clean. Clogged pores can worsen your condition, which is why it is important to deep cleanse the skin with a fungal acne cleanser twice daily, once in the morning and once before going to bed.

A lot of doctors often recommend using anti dandruff shampoo for fungal acne to cleanse the skin because they contain active ingredients that can help treat the root cause. 

• Wet the affected area thoroughly and apply the cleanser.
• Massage the antifungal cleanser  in gentle circular motions
• After washing, pat your skin dry.
• Don’t rub or scratch your skin.
• Moisturize your skin using a fragrance-free moisturizer that is free from harsh chemicals and is water-based.
• Exfoliate your skin once a week. Always use a gentle, oil-free exfoliator to cleanse the skin

Pyrithione zinc for fungal acne is very beneficial. It is believed to contain antifungal properties that can help control the growth of Malassezia on the skin. So use a pyrithione zinc shampoo like Happy Cappy medicated Shampoo that can also be used as a body wash and face wash to cleanse the affected area at least once daily.

Prescription Medications

These are mostly used in severe cases of acne when the condition is not getting better with OTC products; the doctor may prescribe the use of these medications:

• Itraconazole
• Fluconazole
• Ketoconazole

These medications should only be used when prescribed by a doctor because excess use of these medications can cause further complications and other skin issues.

How to Prevent Fungal Acne?

Even though you cannot prevent fungal acne from happening in the first place, however, with the help of these few fungal acne self-care tips and lifestyle changes, you can easily avoid future flare-ups and your existing condition from getting worse. 

• Avoid shaving, waxing, or plucking when the condition is severe.
• Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothes to reduce trapped moisture.
• Avoid using oil-based skincare products.
• Avoid eating oily and sugary food.
• Use a tissue or clean washcloth to gently remove sweat from your skin.
• Reduce the consumption of sugary or greasy foods that can trigger sebum production.
• Shower immediately after a workout and exercise.

These few changes in your daily routine can go a long way and help you achieve bump-free, clearer skin. 

Is Fungal Acne Contagious? 

No, even though a type of fungus causes it, the good news is that fungal acne is not contagious or infectious and cannot spread from one person to another through contact. It is caused by all that is happening inside your body and not by a virus or bacteria. 

So don’t skip your next get-together with friends for fear of giving them fungal acne.  

Fungal Acne Safe Products

Many people dealing with fungal acne often worry about using makeup, facial cleansers, and body care products because most of these often contain harsh chemicals that can further irritate the skin and worsen the condition. 

So, what is the best face wash for fungal acne? The answer lies in the formulation of the product; look for a cleanser that is water-based, fragrance-free, and contains active ingredients that can help reduce the growth of malassezia yeast on the skin. 

Dr. Eddie at Happy Cappy has formulated a Medicated Shampoo that is fungal acne safe and can be used as a body wash and face wash to gently cleanse the skin. 

Here is what makes it a great cleanser:

• It contains 0.95% zinc pyrithione, which has been known to be effective in reducing the growth of malassezia yeast on the skin.
• It is a 3-in-1 solution that can be used as a face wash, body wash, and shampoo.
• Helps reduce the scaling and flaking associated with dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. The common name for seborrheic dermatitis is cradle cap.
• It is fragrance-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, dye-free, and phthalate-free. 
• Contains natural ingredients like licorice root extract, provitamin B5, and apple fruit extract that help soothe and hydrate the skin. 
• It is safe for kids and adults for daily use. 

So if you are searching for fungal acne safe products, then try Happy Cappy today. 

How Long Does Fungal Acne Last?

Fungal acne can last for months or even years if left untreated. However, with the help of proper treatment, avoiding the triggers, and the right skincare routine, you can get rid of it within a few weeks or months. The duration usually varies from person to person, depending on the severity of the condition. 

Can you Pop Fungal Acne?

A big NO, don’t ever even think of doing that. Just like for regular acne, everyone would advise you not to touch or squeeze it; the doctors will recommend the same for fungal acne. Why?

Because popping or squeezing fungal acne can damage the skin, allows the yeast to spread further, which will ultimately worsen the condition. It can also cause scarring on the skin and lead to other secondary skin infections. 

So next time, think twice about the complications you will have to face if you touch or pop your acne. 

How to Use Anti Dandruff Shampoo for Fungal Acne?

As we have discussed before, you can also use a dandruff shampoo for fungal acne because it contains active ingredients like pyrithione zinc that can help reduce the overgrowth of malassezia on the skin. 

But every dandruff shampoo may not work because it often contains harsh chemicals that can further irritate the skin. So choose a shampoo like Happy Cappy Anti Dandruff Shampoo that is free from any of those harsh chemicals and can be used as a face wash and body wash. 

The next question we often get is how to use an anti-dandruff shampoo for fungal acne. Here is how:

• Wet your skin with lukewarm or cool water.
• Then apply the shampoo to the affected area and gently massage it with your fingers. 
• Let the shampoo rest on the skin for a few minutes; this allows the active ingredient to penetrate the skin. 
• Rinse your skin thoroughly without leaving any residue behind. 

Use it at least once daily in the beginning, and once the condition starts getting better, use it 2 to 3 times a week. 

Conclusion

Fungal acne is a common skin issue that causes itchy rashes and bumps on the skin. It looks similar to the breakouts we experience with hormonal acne. However, this acne is caused by an infection in the hair follicles that is caused by the overabundance of Malassezia yeast on the skin.

Fungal acne can be managed by keeping your skin clean. Using a cleanser that contains antifungal properties or ingredients like pyrithione zinc can help you manage this condition.

If your condition does not get better with the use of a shampoo for fungal acne, then consult a dermatologist; they may prescribe the use of antifungal medications along with a gentle anti-dandruff shampoo to improve your condition.

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