Fungal Acne vs Hormonal Acne: Know the Difference

Acne is something we are all familiar with. Some may have experienced it during the teenage years and some have faced it during pregnancy. Most people don’t know, but there are different types of acne, from hormonal, fungal, and cystic to acne mechanica.

Each type of acne may cause similar-looking bumps and pimples, but they require different treatment plans. This blog will help you identify the difference between fungal acne vs hormonal acne, two of the most common types, and how to treat them. 

What is Fungal Acne?

Fungal acne is the more easily pronounced name used for a common skin condition known as Malassezia folliculitis or pityrosporum folliculitis. It is caused by a fungus or yeast that naturally lives on the skin, Malassezia yeast, and this is how it got its name: fungal acne. 

Even though it is considered a type of acne, it’s not actually acne. It is an infection caused in the hair follicles by Malassezia yeast that leads to clusters of small, itchy, red bumps on the skin that can sometimes appear as whiteheads or pus-filled bumps. 

What Causes Fungal Acne?

As we have discussed before, fungal acne is caused by yeast on the skin. Malassezia yeast is naturally found on everyone’s skin, in fact, it is essential for a healthy skin microbiome. But sometimes, certain reasons, such as genetics and overproduction of sebum on the skin, can lead to its overgrowth. 

This excess Malassezia yeast then makes its way to the hair follicles, clogs the pores, and causes an infection that leads to the appearance of pimples and breakouts. However, certain other factors can trigger and make the condition worse, such as:

Environmental factors: weather and climate can have an effect on the growth of Malassezia as well as the condition, especially the hot, humid climate. 

Certain medications: certain medications can trigger the overproduction of sebum on the skin and disrupt the balance of microorganisms on the skin, which can lead to the overgrowth of yeast. 

Waxing or shaving skin: these hair-removal methods can sometimes damage the skin barrier and make you more prone to developing fungal infections. 

Tight clothing: tight clothing can trap moisture heat and cause sweating and rubbing of skin which makes it easier for the yeast to grow. 

Oily skin type: people who have oily skin type are more prone to developing this condition because Malassezia thrives easily in an oily environment. 

Damaged skin barrier: some skin conditions like eczema can damage the skin barrier and make it easier for the yeast to cause infection. 

Poor hygiene: not following a proper skincare routine, washing the skin after sweating, or taking a bath in public pools can trigger the infection. 

High Glycemic Diet: consuming excessive carbohydrates and oily or sugary foods can trigger the sebaceous glands to start producing more oil and cause the overproduction of yeast. 

How to Know if Acne is Fungal?

If you are wondering how to identify fungal acne, here are a few signs and symptoms that can help you:

• Itchy skin
• Small bumps of the same size and shape
• Red or skin-colored pimples
• Whiteheads and pus-filled bumps
• Breakouts are more common on the forehead, chest, and back
• Acne is not getting better with regular acne treatment

It can sometimes be difficult to diagnose fungal acne on your own this is why it is important to consult a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. 

Here is a picture of fungal acne that can help you know what it looks like PIC

What is Hormonal Acne?

Hormonal acne, as its name suggests, is caused by hormonal changes in the body. Even though anyone can experience these at any stage of life, these are more common in women due to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause, and PCOS. 

Hormonal acne can cause red, inflamed, and sometimes painful pimples, pustules, and papules on the skin. It can also lead to close comedones (whiteheads) and open comedones (blackheads). These pimples usually affect the face, more specifically, the chin and jawline. 

What Causes Hormonal Acne?

Hormonal acne is primarily caused by a fluctuation in the hormonal levels, more specifically, androgens and progesterone. These changes can trigger the sebaceous glands to start producing excess sebum. This sebum then mixes with dirt and dead skin cells and clogs the pores, which leads to acne. 

However, along with these hormonal changes, there are some other factors that can trigger or worsen the condition, like:

Unhealthy Diet: eating too much sugary and oily food can trigger the production of sebum, which can clog the pores. 

Certain medications: Some medications can trigger hormonal changes in the body and some can cause the glands to start producing more sebum, both leading to acne. 

Oily skincare products: using skincare products that have high oil content can further worsen the condition and cause more pimples and bumps to appear on the skin. 

Stress: Stress can affect the hormonal levels in the body, making you more prone to developing hormonal acne. 

What Does Hormonal Acne Look Like? 

Now, how do you know if acne is hormonal or not? Here are a few hormonal acne signs and symptoms that can help you identify the condition.

• Papules, pustules, and pimples
• Pimples can be of different shapes and sizes
• Painful nodules
• Inflammation
• Bumps are larger than those with fungal acne

Fungal Acne vs Hormonal Acne

	Fungal Acne	Hormonal Acne
Appearance	Clusters of bumps that are of the same size and shape	Blackheads, whiteheads, papules, and pustules of different sizes
Location	Forehead, chest, back, shoulders	Face, jawline, and chin
Itchiness	Yes	No
Causes	Infection caused by overgrowth of Malassezia yeast	Hormonal changes, excess sebum, clogged pores
Triggers	Sweating, hot and humid weather, tight clothing, shaving, skin rubbing.	Stress, lack of sleep, oily skincare products
Treatment	Antifungal cleansers, creams and medications	Topical retinoids, antibiotics, hormonal contraceptives

How is Fungal vs Hormonal Acne Diagnosed?

Diagnosing both conditions can be a difficult task as both of them look quite similar and with almost the same symptoms. This is why it is best you consult a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis. 

Fungal Acne

The doctor may first physically inspect your symptoms to rule out the condition. If required, they may also perform a scrape test or skin biopsy to examine the presence of Malassezia yeast on the skin under a microscope. 

Hormonal acne

For hormonal acne, the doctor will first inquire about your medical and health history then they will physically examine the symptoms. If required, they may prescribe blood tests to determine the presence of hormonal imbalance. 

Hormonal Acne vs Fungal Acne Treatment

Hormonal and fungal acne may sound and look similar, but their treatment is very different, just like their causes. Most importantly, the acne treatment used for regular acne may work for hormonal acne, but it can not make the condition better for fungal acne. 

Here, we have listed down some of the most effective, easy to soothe these conditions. 

Hormonal Acne Treatment

Over-the-counter treatment

The doctor will prescribe the use of OTC products such as cleansers, creams, lotions, and gels that contain any of the following ingredients:

• Benzoyl peroxide that helps reduce inflammation
• Salicylic acid helps exfoliate the skin and clear clogged pores
• Retinoids to promote cell turnover
• Glycolic acid exfoliates the skin and reduces inflammation
• Alpha hydroxy acids help dry up the pimples and breakouts.

Prescription medications

If the condition is not getting better with the use of over-the-counter products, then the doctor may prescribe the use of prescription medications along with it, such as:

• Oral contraceptives
• Topical retinoids
• Anti-androgen medications
• Triamcinolone
• Isotretinoin
• Hormonal therapy

Treat hormonal acne naturally

Along with the use of OTC products, there are certain lifestyle changes that should be followed to make the condition better. 

• Cleanse your skin, focusing more on the affected area with a gentle, fungal acne safe face wash or cleanser every day.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet to maintain the hormonal level.
• Make sure you get plenty of sleep and rest.
• Manage stress with yoga, exercise, and deep breathing techniques.
• Protect your skin with sunscreen or by covering while going out in the sun
• Use water-based skincare products instead of oil-based ones.

However, for proper treatment, it is essential that you consult a doctor. 

How to Treat Fungal Acne?

Fungal acne skincare routine

It is essential that you follow a proper skincare routine that includes the use of a fungal acne shampoo and body wash that contains either zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide to cleanse the skin at least once daily. Use lukewarm or cool water to wash the face. And after washing, don’t forget to moisturize the skin with a gentle moisturizer. One that is water-based and free from skin-irritating chemicals like fragrances, parabens, and sulfates is a better option. 

Prescription medication

The doctor may also prescribe the use of certain prescription medications along with the use of a fungal acne cleanser. Some common ones are:

• Antifungal creams and ointments that contain itraconazole, fluconazole, or ketoconazole.
• Oral antifungal medication

Fungal acne treatment at home

Making a few lifestyle changes can help make your condition better or prevent it from getting worse, such as wearing loose-fitting clothes, avoiding hot showers, and eating a healthy, balanced diet. 

Some people also choose natural remedies like tea tree oil, honey, turmeric, apple cider vinegar, or turmeric to get rid of fungal acne, but these remedies can cause allergic reactions in some people and can even make the condition worse, so it’s better to avoid them. 

No matter which type of acne you are experiencing it is important that you consult a dermatologist before trying any treatment on your own because providing the wrong treatment will only make the condition worse. 

Key Takeaways

• Fungal acne is caused by a Malassezia yeast infection in hair follicles, while hormonal changes in the body cause hormonal acne.
• Fungal acne can cause itchy skin, while hormonal acne does not. 
• Fungal acne appears as similar looking clusters of bumps that look similar to a rash.
• Hormonal acne can appear as whiteheads, blackheads, papules, and pustules of different shapes and sizes. 
• For the treatment of fungal acne, using fungal acne face wash daily to cleanse the skin, along with anti-fungal medication or creams, may be prescribed. 
• For hormonal acne treatment, over-the-counter cleansers and sometimes antibiotics are commonly prescribed. 

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