Fungal Acne: Symptoms, Causes, And Treatment

Fungal Acne: Symptoms, Causes, And Treatment 

Fungal acne is not actually acne. This condition, called pityrosporum folliculitis, is commonly mistaken for acne but is related to a fungus found on your skin. 

In this article, we’ll explore the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for fungal acne. 

What Is Fungal Acne? 

Fungal acne involves the infection and inflammation of your hair follicle, forming small pimples or pustules on the skin. 

The Malassezia fungus is responsible for this condition, and these pimples are usually found on the back, shoulders, or neck [1].

Sweating may exacerbate the condition. Teenagers are the most likely to experience fungal acne due to the fluctuations in hormone levels, which can lead to excess oil production in the skin. 

If you notice pimples and spots that resemble acne but do not get any better with acne treatment, this may signify that you have a fungal infection of your hair follicles instead. 

What Causes Fungal Acne? 

We’ve established that the Malassezia fungus is the main culprit behind fungal acne. 

In addition to that, various lifestyle and environmental factors can increase your risk of experiencing fungal acne. 

Some of these risk factors cause your skin to become hot and damp, upsetting the optimal balance of fungi and microbes on your skin. Apart from that, some conditions or events may also damage or irritate hair follicles, leaving them more susceptible to infection. 

These risk factors include:-

• Exercising or carrying out activities that cause you to sweat
• Hot and humid weather 
• Rewearing sweaty clothing 
• Wearing tight clothing or equipment that rubs against your skin
• Changes in your diet that involve more carbs or sweet foods 
• Having a compromised immune system 

Symptoms of Fungal Acne 

Fungal acne may lead to symptoms such as [1]:-

• Itchiness of the skin 
• Pimples on your chest, neck, back, shoulders, arms, and sometimes, face. 
• Clusters of spots and pimples 
• Pimples that don’t respond to common acne treatments 
• Irritation of your hair follicles. 

How To Treat Fungal Acne 

Fungal acne will not respond well to typical acne treatments. The best way to tackle this condition is by using antifungal medications, such as those containing ketoconazole, butenafine, or clotrimazole [2]. 

Your healthcare provider might recommend starting with an antifungal cream. But if your condition does not improve or worsen, your dermatologist might prescribe an oral antifungal medication. 

Apart from that, you may adopt self-care practices that may help to combat fungal acne. They include:-

• Wearing loose and breathable clothing 
• Showering right after exercise or sweating 
• Changing out of sweaty clothes as soon as possible 
• Sticking to a balanced diet (avoid excessive sweets or carbs)
• Avoid popping or picking at your pimples, as this may spread the infection

It’s best to consult a board-certified dermatologist if your condition is persistent, severe, worsening, or affecting your self-esteem.