Fungal acne is a common skin condition that isn’t too hard to treat. It happens when hair follicles become infected with a fungus called Malassezia yeast. Fungal acne causes clusters of small, itchy, red bumps (papules) on the skin. Sometimes these bumps can become larger and possibly turn into whiteheads or small pockets of white or yellow pus (pustules).
DCSI has helped many patients to treat their acne and to understand the differences between fungal and regular acne. Below we will discuss how to treat fungal acne. You might know that acne commonly happens when the hair follicles are blacked with bacteria, oil, or dead skin. While fungal acne is the infection in the hair follicles, the main difference between this and regular acne is that fungal acne can be itchy, while regular acne isn't.
Treating Fungal Acne
The first step to treating fungal acne is understanding who might get it and what can cause it. Anyone can get fungal acne, though it's most common in adolescents and young adult males with oily skin where yeast thrives. Yeast can grow quickly on hot, damp, or sweaty skin. People who live in a hot, humid climate are also more likely to get fungal acne. The condition can also occur in people who:- Have a weak immune system
- Are prone to fungal infections
- Sweat excessively
- Are taking antibiotics
- Use many oil-based moisturizers and sunscreens
- The skin is rubbed against too much
- The skin is left hot and damp
- Shaving, plucking, or even waxing hair
- The skin being touched or rubbed frequently
- The use of a hot tub or whirlpool
- Wearing tight clothes
- Econazole
- Ketoconazole
- Selenium sulfide shampoo (also used as a dandruff treatment and prevention)
Side Effects of Antifungal Acne Treatment
When going over your options with your doctor, it is important to ask and understand the possible side effects of the medications, which can include:- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Liver damage
Fungal Acne Prevention
There are many ways to reduce the chances of getting fungal acne that is both simple and preventative:- Showering and changing out of tight clothes immediately following a workout
- Being careful when shaving, plucking, and/or waxing
- Only using well-kept and clean hot tubs
- Washing and drying bathing suits in between each use
- Wearing loose clothing, especially in hot or humid weather or when exercising
- Using dandruff shampoos a few times a week, especially if you are having a breakout
- Eating a balanced diet