What is Fungal Acne?
Fungal acne, also known as pityrosporum folliculitis, is a form of acne that is caused by a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia. This fungus is naturally present in your skin, but it can sometimes overgrow, leading to the development of fungal acne. Fungal acne looks similar to regular acne, with raised, itchy bumps that appear on your face, chest, back, and other areas. It can be difficult to treat, but luckily, there are a few steps you can take to get rid of it.
How to Tell if You Have Fungal Acne
Fungal acne can be hard to diagnose. It looks similar to regular acne, but it is caused by a yeast-like fungus, not bacteria. The best way to tell if it is fungal acne is to look for certain characteristics. Fungal acne often appears as small, itchy bumps, with a red halo around them. The bumps are usually found in clusters and can be found on the face, chest, back, and other areas. Fungal acne is also often accompanied by flaking skin and itching.
What Causes Fungal Acne?
Fungal acne occurs when the yeast-like fungus Malassezia overgrows on your skin. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including an imbalance in the skin’s pH levels, an excess of oil or sweat on the skin, or a decrease in beneficial bacteria on the skin. Additionally, certain medications, such as antibiotics, can also lead to the overgrowth of Malassezia.
How to Treat Fungal Acne
Treating fungal acne can be a bit tricky. It is important to first identify the underlying cause of the overgrowth of Malassezia in order to successfully treat the condition. If it is caused by an imbalance in the skin’s pH levels, then using a gentle cleanser and moisturizer can help to restore balance to the skin. Additionally, using over-the-counter antifungal creams can help to reduce the overgrowth of Malassezia.
How to Prevent Fungal Acne
The best way to prevent fungal acne is to keep your skin clean and free of sweat and oil. Avoiding tight clothing can also help to reduce the risk of fungal overgrowth. Additionally, it is important to avoid using harsh soaps and detergents that can strip away beneficial bacteria from the skin. Finally, if you are taking antibiotics, be sure to talk to your doctor about taking a probiotic to help restore balance to the skin.
What Products Can Treat Fungal Acne?
There are a variety of products available that can help to treat fungal acne. Over-the-counter antifungal creams, such as miconazole and clotrimazole, can help to reduce the overgrowth of Malassezia. Additionally, using products with salicylic acid, tea tree oil, or benzoyl peroxide can help to reduce the symptoms of fungal acne. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before using any of these products, as they may cause irritation to the skin.
When to See a Doctor
If your fungal acne is not responding to at-home treatments, then it may be time to see a doctor. A doctor can provide a more comprehensive treatment plan, as well as prescribe medications, if necessary. Additionally, they can also help to identify any underlying conditions that may be contributing to the fungal overgrowth.
How to Manage the Symptoms of Fungal Acne
In addition to treating the fungal overgrowth, it is important to manage the symptoms of fungal acne. This can include avoiding tight clothing, using a gentle cleanser and moisturizer, and avoiding harsh soaps and detergents. Additionally, using products with salicylic acid, tea tree oil, or benzoyl peroxide can help to reduce the symptoms of fungal acne.
Conclusion
Fungal acne can be difficult to treat, but with the right knowledge and treatment plan, it is possible to get rid of it. Following the steps outlined in this guide can help to reduce the symptoms of fungal acne and help to prevent it from coming back. If your symptoms are not improving, or if you have any questions, be sure to talk to your doctor.