What is Fungal Acne? Fungal Acne 101: Symptoms, Tests and Treatments

fungal acne 101


Fungal Acne 101

Maybe you have been struggling with these flesh-colored bumps for years and no matter what acne treatment you tried nothing worked. Somehow someone suggested that it might not be acne at all but maybe “fungal acne”.

What Is Exactly Fungal Acne?

Fungal Acne is not acne at all. Typical acne is caused by bacteria, while fungal acne is caused by an overgrowth of yeast. Specifically Malassezia folliculitis.  In short, fungal acne is the infection of the hair follicles causing raised fleshed-like bumps. That is why no matter what type of acne treatment you try, these tiny little bumps won’t go away.

How Do You Know You Have Fungal Acne

Symptoms Unlike Normal Acne, Fungal acne are:

    • Uniform: Uniform tiny flesh like bumps
    • Groups: Typically in clusters
    • Itchy: Sometimes feel itchy
    • Can’t squeeze: Comes back even if you pop it
    • Looks: Sometimes looks like blackhead and whitehead
    • Oil: It can get worst if you use certain products, especially oil

Not Sure If You have Fungal Acne?

Quick Test: A quick and easy way of seeing if you actually fungal is using Nizoral, a drugstore anti-dandruff shampoo. If you apply Nizoral where you have fungal acne and let it sit for 2-5 minutes and follow it up with a honey mask. If you see a noticeable difference in texture, you might have fungal acne.

Budget Version: If you don’t want to buy a bottle of Nizoral to check to see if you have fungal acne, you can try a bottle of Head & Shoulders shampoo as well. It is gentler but not as effective as Nizoral. However, it can decrease the bumpiness of the skin.

TIP: Another big tip-off that you might fungal acne, is that when you use oils, your acne tends to get worst.

If you don’t have any of these symptoms, you might just have regular plain acne.

You have Fungal Acne. How do you Treat it?

Use lightweight products: The first step to clearer skin is just to be more mindful of what you are using. You should try to use skincare products that are simple and lightweight, and most importantly stay away from most oils.

Still not working? If you switched up your skincare routine and the fungal acne isn’t going away you might need to do a little more research. You might need to choose products that are fungal acne safe. Check out sezia.co to see if your skincare products are safe for you to use.

However, if you can’t be bothered, here is a simple fungal acne safe routine

Simple and Affordable Skincare Routine

    • Cleanser: Any type is okay, not too creamy
    • Moisturizer: Aloe Vera
    • Mask: Nizoral, followed up with a Honey Mask

 

 

Check Out Our Other Posts: