Do you also face acne, which continues to be a big problem despite months or years of creams, treatments, and ointments?
And if you’re observing breakouts on your chest, arms, back, or shoulders that are not clearing up anyway, then maybe you are affected by fungal acne.
Even if you haven’t experienced it, this ultimate guide of fungal acne is going to be very helpful for you to understand what it’s all about and also will make sure that you’re always prepared for surprise skin conditions and facing it wisely.
What Is Fungal Acne?
Fungal acne is a type of skin infection that is caused by the overgrowth of yeast present in the follicles of the hair.
It is also known as malassezia folliculitis or pityrosporum folliculitis, in scientific terms.
Fungal acne looks almost the same as bacterial acne or hormonal acne, but it is actually quite different from bacterial acne.
It is commonly appearing as small pimples that each one looks almost the same with the same size and shape, often along with itching, while normal acne features a varied sort of appearance.
Whiteheads and skin irritation can be caused by fungal acne.
Symptoms of fungal acne
How do you know if you have fungal acne?
Fungal acne looks almost similar to bacterial acne or acne vulgaris, that’s why people with fungal acne cannot recognize the actual type of acne they have.
And treat it with normal acne treatment, which makes it more worst.
Here is how to recognize the difference between fungal acne and bacterial acne.
Fungal Acne VS Bacterial Acne :
Fungal acne :
Caused By: Fungal acne caused by the overgrowth of yeast present in the follicles of the hair.
Size: Fungal acne appears as small pimples that all look almost the same in the same size and shape.
Itching: Fungal acne often causes itchiness.
Location: Fungal acne mostly shows up on the back, chest, and arms. It can also be on the face in less case.
Clusters: Fungal acne also shows up on clusters of small whiteheads.
Bacterial Acne:
Caused By: Caused by bacteria and oil clogging the pores.
Size: Pimples and whiteheads caused by Bacterial acne that can be varying sizes.
Itching: Bacterial acne causes itchiness in rare cases.
Location: Bacterial acne is mostly showing up on the face.
Clusters: Bacterial acne is less clustered and sparser.
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General Causes Of Fungal Acne
What are the common causes of fungal acne?
Fungal acne is a type of skin infection that is caused by the overgrowth of yeast.
Our skin has a microbiome (i.e., immune system) with a balance of bacteria yeast, and other fungi.
Yeast is responsible for fungal acne, which is usually present on your skin, but if that natural balance is upset, then overgrowth of yeast can occur.
And that’s why infection of hair follicles produce and acne (pimple) like symptoms show up.
Following are some common conditions or events, that might be responsible for upsetting the balance of bacteria and yeast.
1. Wearing tight and dirty clothes
Regularly wearing tight (no breathable) clothes and sweaty workout clothes for too long can encourage yeast growth.
Re-wearing workout clothes without washing them might also expose your skin to fungi that have grown in the clothes.
2. Antibiotics
If you are taking antibiotics for the long term, the bacteria on your skin can be reduced. Which will allow overgrowth of yeast or fungus.
3. Diet changes
Yeast feed on carbohydrates, so balancing your intake of sweets and carb-rich foods can certainly be a contributing factor for slow fungal growth.
4. Using Oily Skincare Products
Yeast feed on oil too, so if you are using skincare and makeup products that contain oil (even small amounts), then it could be a trigger.
5. Climate (Warm, moist environments)
Yeast thrives in warm and humid places, fungal acne is more common in these types of climates and seasons, where sweating is more likely may fungal acne grow more frequently.
Interestingly, 56% of people with acne in the Philippines (hot and humid places) have both regular bacterial acne and fungal acne that is a much higher rate than average.
How can you treat fungal acne?
How to get rid of fungal acne?
Fungal acne looks a lot like regular acne, that’s why it is often treated improperly.
Many people use every day anti-acne treatments for it, but those will not work.
Treat the fungal infection in the right way, you need to keep the balance between yeast and bacteria on the skin.
Following some of the treatment options may help in treating fungal acne.
1. Shower more on a regular basis.
- If you are doing work out regularly or you have a job, that causes you to sweat, then take shower more and changing clothes right after the gym or work.
- This can help you wash away overgrowth yeast that may have started growing in the warm environments that develop in sweaty clothes.
2. Use Anti-Fungal Shampoo/Body Wash.
Fungal acne shampoo :
- If fungal acne treatment shampoo contains ketoconazole 2% (AKA, the anti-dandruff shampoo, Nizoral shampoo), then it can be the best shampoo for infection.
- They can be used to treat yeast infections for hair, face, and body.
- Use this shampoo every other day for at least two months for best results.
- Leave the solution on your skin for about 3-5 minutes and wash it off.
- Once fungal acne is cleared, still you should continue to use this shampoo once a week.
- And continue for at least 3-4 additional months to stop relapse.
3. Wear looser clothes.
- If you Regularly wearing tight (non-breathable) clothes and sweaty workout clothes for too long that encourage yeast growth on the skin.
- Wear loose & breathable clothes to help your skin get good proper circulation and encourage balanced bacterial and fungal growth.
4. Try OTC (over-the-counter) antifungal treatments or creams.
- OTC treatments usually include anti-fungal shampoos that contain Sulphur, ketoconazole, butenafine, or clotrimazole cream.
5. Use Fungal Acne Home Remedies.
How Can you treat fungal acne at home?
Lactobacillus produces lactic acid, and lactic acid can control the overgrowth of the yeast.
1.Yogurt
You can add more yogurt to your diet and also take lactobacillus supplements.
2. Honey
Honey has antimicrobial properties. To apply it to the affected area and keep it for as long as possible, even for a couple of hours.
3. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is another antimicrobial that can be used.
Add the oil with some water and apply it only on the affected area of acne, it can irritate the skin if it applied all over.
You can also use some other natural ingredients to treat fungal infections. such as,
4. Use Apple Cider Vinegar
5. Use Coconut Oil
6. Use Aloe Vera
7. Use Turmeric
8. Use Garlic
6.Oil-free Moisturizer:
- It is necessary to moisturize your skin with a fungal acne-safe moisturizer.
- But ensure that, you are using an oil-free moisturizer in order that you are not providing yeast to their favorite food.
Does tea tree oil help for fungal acne?
Tea tree oil has strong antifungal properties, particularly against Malassezia.
The best products to fight fungal acne on the face should be oil-free and also contain both benzoyl peroxide and tea tree oil.
Ketoconazole is the best treatment for antifungals, that effectively treat all kinds of Malassezia.
And tea tree oil could also be an honest home recipe to try, but keep in mind, it will not be effective in several cases.
How long does a treatment take?
Fungal acne can last for several weeks, months, or maybe years if it not treated correctly.
If it treated with the right products, it can begin clear in as little as a few days with significant improvement in just a matter of weeks.
But it can never get away completely, because it can recur with the changing of seasons and lifestyle habits.
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How to prevent fungal acne?
You can’t really prevent fungal acne, but taking precautions helps you keep it at bay.
The Dos and Don’ts :
Dos:
Fungal acne routine:
- Take shower 2-3 times a day on hot and humid days.
- Use an antifungal body wash and shampoo at least once a week.
- Keep your skin clean and dry during the workout and after a workout.
- Use products that contain petrolatum, salicylic or glycolic acids.
Don’ts:
- Avoid wearing very tight and unbreathable clothes on a regular basis, which block the sweat and don’t let your skin breathe.
- Do not wear workout clothes a second time without washing, it might also expose your skin to fungi that have grown within the clothes.
- You should avoid products, which contain benzoyl peroxide, linoleic acid, and fatty acids such as lauric acid (coconut oil).
When should I see a doctor?
If you have tried to treat your fungal acne at home and still the breakout persists for quite more than 3 or more weeks, then you have to go to your dermatologist.
After resolved fungal acne, if the acne returns again in a short time, make sure, you should make another appointment with your dermatologist as soon as possible.
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Conclusion
Fungal acne is a type of skin infection that is caused by the overgrowth of yeast.
Fungal acne cannot be prevented completely, but the following steps might help to reduce the chances of a return infection:
• Use an antifungal body wash and dandruff shampoo regularly.
• Wear loose clothes (breathable fabrics).
• Take Shower just after a workout and twice or thrice during a day.
• Balance your diet with fruits, vegetables, and proteins to help reduce overgrowth.
FAQ For Fungal Acne
Q-1 What ingredients should I avoid with fungal acne?
Ans. You should avoid products, which contain benzoyl peroxide, linoleic acid, and fatty acids such as lauric acid (coconut oil).
Q-2 How does Nizoral get rid of fungal acne?
Ans. By applying the Nizoral (dandruff shampoo) to affected areas may reduce the fungal acne in most patients. And continue using it once a day for 2 to 3 weeks to get a significant result.
However, use Nizoral only, if your doctor suggested.
Q-3 What is the best diet for fungal acne?
Ans. You can eat food, which is low in sugar, refined carbohydrates, yeast, and mold-containing foods.
Also, you can add the food in your fungal acne diet such as,
- Yogurt
- Honey
- Garlic
- Turmeric