What Does Fungal Acne Look Like

Fungal acne (not really acne) and hormonal acne look very similar to each other. It makes areas of the skin appear red and bumpy. However, unlike regular acne, this condition does create bumps with white tips like you'd get with pimples. And since it's not real acne, you need special treatment to get rid of it.

It's confusing, but fungal acne isn't actually acne

Fungal acne is a colloquial term for a condition known as malassezia folliculitis. However, many people assume it's acne because it does look as though you have pimples.

Malassezia is a fungus that naturally lives on your skin. However, when too much of it builds up on your hair follicles, it can result in inflammation. This leads to itchy eruptions that look like acne, but actually aren't. This can make it incredibly difficult to diagnose.

What triggers 'fungal acne'?

Certain conditions exacerbate the presence of malassezia on your skin. You should avoid the following if you want to increase your chances of keeping your skin clear.

• Wearing clothing drenched in sweat for too long

• Taking specific antibiotics

• Wearing tight clothing

Your genes also play a role. If your parents are prone to fungal acne, then you have a greater chance of getting it, too.

What does it look like?

Fungal acne typically takes the form of uniform red bumps. Whereas regular acne may produce pimples sporadically across your face and body, fungal acne is generally confined to one area. The condition does create bumps, but they don't look like normal zits. They appear red, but there's no white at the tip. Pimples tend to have some whiteness, which is the pus inside. Since fungal acne isn't real acne, there's no pus involved.

How can I tell if I have it or just regular acne?

Knowing the difference between acne and malassezia folliculitis can help immensely with treatment. After all, over-the-counter acne products don't do anything for this fungal condition. Here are some tell-tale signs to spot the difference.

Regular Acne

• Pimples with white tip

• Blackheads and whiteheads

• Random placement

Fungal Acne

• Red bumps

• Confined to one area

• Itchy

Here are some ways you can treat 'fungal acne'

Treatments do exist for fungal acne. Remember, it's not real acne, so you don't want to resort to any of the common acne treatments for this fungal condition. Instead, stick with the following to get your skin clear once again.

Use a chemical exfoliant

Dead skin cells and bacteria can trap oil and fungus on your skin. You should wash your face and body daily, using a chemical exfoliant. The best ingredients to look for include salicylic acid, bakuchiol, and lactic acid.

Wear breathable fabrics

You need to let your skin breathe. If your clothes are too tight, then it can trap fungus and lead to a breakout. It's especially important to wear breathable clothing when you exercise so that sweat doesn't build up too much and clog your pores.

Use an anti-dandruff shampoo

Yeast builds up on your scalp, and the fungus can cause a breakout near your forehead. You want to make sure you use anti-dandruff shampoo to keep the yeast at bay. That means using a product that has zinc pyrithione as an active ingredient.

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!