Fungal Acne On Face

You can get fungal acne on your face, but there are a few things you should know. First, your face isn't the place most at risk of developing this condition. Second, fungal acne isn't even acne at all. Instead, it's a reaction to yeast in your pores known as malassezia folliculitis. 

It's time to stop calling it fungal acne— here's what it really is

First thing's first: fungal acne is not technically acne. Its technical terms are either malassezia folliculitis (MF) or pityrosporum folliculitis. This refers to a buildup of yeast in the pores that leads to a reaction. It's commonly called fungal acne because of the similarities in its appearance to acne. 

What triggers 'fungal acne'?

MF is caused by a buildup of yeast, which throws the sensitive microbiome that is your skin out of whack, leading to its development. However, there are a few conditions that can trigger fungal acne. It's most common in: 

• Those who have recently taken antibiotics

• People who have HIV/AIDS

• Those who have recently spent time in the intensive care unit

• Recent transplant patients due to immunosuppressants

However, it's important to mention that the yeast responsible for producing fungal acne is present in everyone's body—meaning everyone is susceptible to this condition.

Here are the symptoms to look out for

Here are a few characteristics to help you determine whether you're experiencing an MF outbreak:

• If your acne is itchy and red. Typically, acne doesn't itch! If your breakout has a rash-like itch, you may have MF. 

• Your breakout doesn't respond to over-the-counter products. Especially if they become worse after usage, this indicates the presence of fungal acne. 

• There's evidence of other fungal overgrowth. This includes dandruff, psoriasis, and eczema. 

Unlike real acne, MF rarely affects your face

You're far more likely to experience an MF outbreak on your shoulders, back, chest, and head than on your face. This is because MF is generally more likely to occur in places of excess sweat. Hence, body parts covered by clothing are more prone to developing this condition. 

Here are some ways you can treat 'fungal acne'

Since MF is a fungus, it's not treated like regular acne. Here are a few things that you can do to help manage your breakout: 

• Exfoliate your skin. Like most breakouts, you have to remove oils, dead skin, and bacteria to clear your pores. 

• Try over-the-counter anti-fungals. Certain types of anti-fungal creams can help manage your breakout. Hack: Try using your anti-dandruff shampoo!

• Manage your microbiome. The skin on your face is incredibly sensitive. You must practice proper skin hygiene through regular washing with warm water and weekly exfoliation. 

• Talk to your dermatologist. It's possible your breakout needs medical intervention. A dermatologist can assist by providing prescription anti-fungal medication that helps to treat your MF. 

If you do have regular acne, here's the best ways to treat!

While acne breakouts and pimples are inevitable at some point in your life, it's not something you have to live with forever. There's a wide range of treatment options that have shown to combat those pesky red bumps for good.

• Benzoyl Peroxide: Typically a main ingredient in many acne facial cleansers and lotions, benzoyl peroxide goes into your pores to lift and remove excess oil, dirt and debris (acne-causing agents).

• Glycolic Acid: An alpha-hydroxy acid, this ingredient exfoliates dead skin cells and removes surface impurities. This stops your pores from clogging; preventing future breakouts.

• Retinoids: Arguably the most effective acne treatment, retinoids expertly diminish sebum (excess oil), dirt, bacteria, and any other acne-causing agents on your skin's surface to prevent future breakouts. This powerful drug has also been proven to stop acne scars from forming, leaving behind only smooth, radiant skin.

Treat your acne fast! Get a prescription retinoid, today!

We understand how annoying and bothersome acne breakouts can be. Whether it's picture day at school, or you've got a job interview, acne is not a welcome friend. Fortunately, it's a treatable condition. Our licensed physicians make it easy and more comfortable to have a discussion about your skin and the best treatment options available for you.

Talk to one of our reputable online physicians to get your prescription Retinoid, today!