Fungal acne, also known as Malassezia folliculitis or pityrosporum folliculitis, is a common yet often misunderstood skin condition. Despite its name, fungal acne is not actually acne, but rather a result of a yeast overgrowth in the hair follicles. This yeast, Malassezia, is naturally present on everyone’s skin but can cause issues when it grows excessively. In this blog, Dr. Charu Sharma, Co-Founder and Director of Dermatology at Cureskin is fungal acne, its causes, differences from regular acne, and effective treatments for fungal acne, including the use of platforms like Cureskin for fungal acne treatment.
What is Fungal Acne?
Fungal acne appears as small, itchy, red bumps, typically in clusters. Unlike acne vulgaris, which can present in various forms such as whiteheads, blackheads, and cysts, fungal acne is more uniform in appearance. The overgrowth of Malassezia yeast in the hair follicles is the primary culprit. This yeast thrives in warm, moist environments, making sweaty clothes, high humidity, and even the wrong skincare products potential triggers.
How is fungal acne connected to dandruff?
Both fungal acne and dandruff are caused by the same yeast, Malassezia, which is naturally present on the skin. This yeast can cause dandruff when it overgrows on the scalp, leading to flaking and irritation. Similarly, when Malassezia proliferates in hair follicles on the face and body, it results in fungal acne.
Difference between fungal acne and acne vulagris
Lack of Pus
Unlike regular acne, fungal acne does not typically produce pus. This lack of pus can make it harder to diagnose, leading to potential misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis.
Itching
Fungal acne often causes itchiness, which is not a common symptom of acne vulgaris. However, this itchiness can be mistaken for other skin conditions, making it difficult to identify fungal acne.
Why can’t you tell the difference between hormonal and fungal acne?
Lack of Awareness
In my experience, many people are not aware of fungal acne as a distinct condition, which can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms of fungal acne can be subtle, and the condition may not always be immediately apparent. It requires a thorough examination by a dermatologist and understanding of the differences between fungal acne and acne vulgaris to accurately diagnose it. Luckily, the skin analysis on Cureskin app makes the diagnosis of fungal acne very easy. To know how, check out Kankona’s review of Cureskin’s app for accurately identifying and treating her forehead acne.
Overlapping Causes
Fungal acne can be triggered by similar factors as acne vulgaris, such as hormonal changes, stress, and poor skincare. This overlap in causes can make it difficult to determine whether the symptoms are due to fungal acne or acne vulgaris.
Fungal acne is often confused with acne vulgaris, and people may use the same treatments for both conditions. This can lead to ineffective treatment and prolonged symptoms. Understanding the subtle differences between the two conditions is essential for accurate diagnosis. That’s why you must seek the help of a dermatologist like those on the Cureskin app for accurate diagnosis and treatment. You can download the Cureskin app on both Android and iOS.
How do I know if I have fungal acne?
Fungal acne typically appears as clusters of red bumps (papules) or white-headed pustules, each about 1 to 2 mm in size. These outbreaks tend to come and go in waves and can be significantly itchier than typical acne. While fungal acne can develop anywhere on the body, it commonly affects areas such as the forehead, temples, and along the hairline.
Fungal Acne vs. Closed Comedones
Closed comedones, commonly known as whiteheads, are a type of acne where pores are clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Unlike fungal acne, which is caused by yeast, closed comedones are purely bacterial. This distinction is crucial for effective treatment, as antifungal treatments will not work on bacterial acne and vice versa.
Causes of Fungal Acne
Several factors can contribute to the overgrowth of Malassezia yeast, including:
- Sweating: Excessive sweating, especially if the sweat is not washed off promptly, can create an ideal environment for yeast growth.
- Occlusive Clothing: Tight, non-breathable clothing can trap sweat and oil, fostering yeast proliferation.
- Antibiotic Use: Antibiotics can disrupt the skin’s natural flora, reducing bacterial competition and allowing yeast to thrive.
- Humid Climate: High humidity levels can exacerbate the condition by providing a warm, moist environment for the yeast.
Symptoms of Fungal Acne
Fungal acne typically appears as clusters of small, itchy, red bumps on the skin, which can be mistaken for acne vulgaris. The key symptoms include:
- Small, Itchy Bumps: The bumps are often uniform in size and appearance, forming clusters.
- Lack of Pus: Unlike regular acne, fungal acne does not typically produce pus, which can make it harder to diagnose.
- Itchiness: Fungal acne often causes itchiness, a symptom not commonly associated with acne vulgaris.
Prevention of Fungal Acne
Preventing fungal acne involves maintaining good hygiene, avoiding environments that promote yeast growth, and using antifungal products. Here are some prevention tips:
- Good Hygiene: Regularly wash your face and body, especially after sweating. Use antifungal products like selenium sulfide shampoo.
- Avoid Hot Tubs and Pools: These environments can promote yeast growth and increase the risk of fungal acne.
- Wear Breathable Fabrics: Opt for loose, breathable clothing that allows your skin to stay dry.
Treatment of fungal acne
Anti-dandruff shampoos containing antifungal ingredients such as ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione can be used to treat fungal acne. These shampoos target the same yeast that causes dandruff and can be applied to the affected areas of the skin to reduce yeast levels. However, it’s best to seek dermatologist’s help to accurately diagnose your fungal acne and provide right treatment. Cureskin app offers personalised acne treatment kits formulated & prescribed by dermatologists. The dermatologists prescribe the best products for fungal acne on face.
How Cureskin work?
- AI-Powered Skin Analysis: Users upload photos of their skin through the Cureskin app. The AI analyzes the images, identifying skin conditions with high accuracy.
- Dermatologist Review: Dermatologists review the AI’s findings and provide personalised treatment plans.
- Personalised Treatment Kits: Based on the diagnosis, Cureskin sends a treatment kit tailored to the user’s needs, which may include antifungal products for those diagnosed with fungal acne.
Conclusion
Fungal acne, while often confused with regular acne, requires a distinct approach to treatment. Understanding the differences between fungal acne and acne vulgaris is the first step towards effective treatment. Utilizing antifungal products, maintaining good hygiene, and making thoughtful skincare choices can help manage and prevent fungal acne. Dermatologists on the Cureskin app can help identify and treat fungal acne effectively.
