What is Fungal Acne?
Fungal acne, or Malassezia folliculitis, is a skin condition caused by the overgrowth of yeast called Malassezia. Unlike common acne (acne vulgaris), which is primarily caused by bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells blocking hair follicles, fungal acne results from an infection in the hair follicles by this yeast.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Fungal acne manifests as small, itchy, red bumps or pustules that often appear in clusters. Commonly affected areas include the chest, back, shoulders, and occasionally the face, particularly the forehead, cheeks, and chin. The bumps are uniform in size and often come with a burning sensation. Unlike bacterial acne, fungal acne is usually itchy and doesn’t respond to typical acne treatments.
Diagnosing fungal acne typically involves:
– Visual examination by a dermatologist.
– Skin scraping examined under a microscope.
– Using a Wood’s lamp to detect the yellow-green fluorescence of Malassezia.
Causes and Risk Factors
The yeast that causes fungal acne is naturally present on the skin. However, it can cause infection when hair follicles are damaged or blocked. Factors that increase the risk include:
– Living in hot, humid climates.
– Excessive sweating.
– Use of antibiotics or steroids.
– Weakened immune system.
– Wearing tight, non-breathable clothing.
– Using oil-based skincare products.
Treatment
Treating fungal acne involves restoring the balance of yeast and bacteria on the skin. Key treatments include:
– Topical Antifungals: Creams or shampoos containing ketoconazole, econazole, or selenium sulphide.
– Oral Antifungals: Medications like fluconazole and itraconazole are often more effective as they can reach deeper into hair follicles.
– Home Remedies: Regularly showering after sweating, wearing loose clothing, and using dandruff shampoos with pyrithione zinc or selenium sulfide as body washes.
Preventive Measures
To prevent recurrence of fungal acne, consider these steps:
– Hygiene: Shower and change clothes immediately after sweating.
– Clothing: Wear loose, breathable fabrics to reduce moisture and heat buildup.
– Skincare: Avoid oil-based products; use antifungal shampoos as body washes regularly.
– Diet: Maintain a balanced diet to avoid feeding yeast with excessive carbohydrates and sugars.
When to See a Doctor
If over-the-counter treatments and preventive measures do not improve your symptoms within three weeks, or if the condition recurs frequently, consult a dermatologist. Persistent cases may require prescription-strength oral antifungals or additional therapies like photodynamic therapy.
Fungal acne is a manageable condition once properly identified. By understanding its causes and adopting targeted treatments and preventive measures, individuals can effectively control and reduce outbreaks, leading to clearer and healthier skin.
