Fungal Acne Symptoms

Updated Nov,2020
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Fungal acne, or malassezia folliculitis, looks and acts like acne. But it's not acne at all. Actually, it indicates yeast in your pores. It results in an itchy, rash-like breakout that doesn't respond to regular acne treatments. It's often caused by sweat, antibiotics, and can even spread from person-to-person. 

What is fungal acne?

Technically, fungal acne is not really acne. It actually refers to a buildup of yeast in the pores that leads to a reaction similar to acne. The scientific term is malassezia folliculitis, and it's typically treated through a series of anti-fungals and hygienic practices.

What triggers 'fungal acne'?

There are a few things that can lead to MF. 

  • Excess sweat, oils, and bacteria
  • HIV and AIDS
  • Immunosuppressants, like those taken by transplant patients
  • Contact with someone who has MF (It can be transferred from person-to-person)

Here are the symptoms to look out for

MF can look like regular acne, but there are a few ways to distinguish between the two. 

  • Rash-like itching or burning, which indicates the presence of yeast
  • Lack of response to over-the-counter products. These products generally have no effect on MF
  • You have dandruff, eczema, psoriasis, or evidence of fungus elsewhere on your body

Be cautious, it's contagious

Like other types of fungus, yeast is contagious and can spread from close contact with another person. If you have MF, it's essential to practice good hygiene and perhaps even refrain from touching people until your condition has cleared. 

Here are some ways you can treat 'fungal acne'

Malassezia folliculitis is treatable. However, the method of treatment is a little different from regular acne. Here are a few tips: 

  • Start practicing good skin hygiene. Wash at-risk areas twice a day with warm water. This helps rid of excess yeast, oils, and dead skin from your face. It's also a good rule of thumb to treat regular acne. 
  • Use your shampoo on your face. Seriously! If you have dandruff shampoo, it's an anti-fungal! Put a little on your breakout and see if it clears. You can also use other over-the-counter anti-fungals if you'd prefer. 
  • Consult your dermatologist. If it's just not going away, you might need a more potent anti-fungal, which can be provided through a prescription from your physician. 

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!

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