Fungal Acne
Fungal Acne (Malassezia Folliculitis)
Fungal acne (medical name: Malassezia folliculitis) is actually NOT acne! It's a fungal infection in the hair follicles that looks like acne. If your acne doesn't improve with regular acne treatments, it might be fungal acne which needs a different approach!
Origin: A term that went viral because many people misdiagnose and mistreat it. Awareness has increased through online skincare communities.
🔍 How It Works
- 1Caused by an overgrowth of Malassezia fungus (which is normally on the skin)
- 2Usually triggered by excess moisture, sweat, or antibiotics
- 3Different from regular acne caused by bacteria
- 4Regular acne treatments won't work, and might even make it worse
✨ Benefits
- ✓Knowing the difference = being able to treat it correctly
- ✓Stop wasting money on wrong treatments
- ✓Faster recovery with the right treatment
✅ Good for
- •Those who have small, uniform 'pimples' that are itchy
- •Those who have tried acne treatments but haven't improved
- •Those who sweat often or live in a humid climate
⚠️ Be careful if
- •Self-diagnosis can be misleading - better consult a dermatologist
📖 How To Do It
HOW TO DISTINGUISH from regular acne:
- Fungal: small uniform bumps, usually itchy, on forehead/chest/back
- Regular: varied sizes, not itchy, can be anywhere
TREATMENT:
- Use antifungals (ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione)
- Avoid ingredients that 'feed' fungi (oils, fatty acids)
- Keep skin dry and clean
- Change clothes after sweating
💡 Tips from Peelsy
- •Check ingredients - avoid oils and fatty acids if you suspect fungal acne
- •Zinc pyrithione (found in Head & Shoulders!) can be used as a face wash
- •Ketoconazole cream is available at pharmacies
- •Keep the area dry
- •The website 'Simple Skincare Science' has a fungal acne safe ingredients list
- •ALWAYS consult a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis
❌ Common Mistakes
- ✗Self-diagnosing without consulting a professional
- ✗Using heavy oils or moisturizers (feeds the fungi)
- ✗Continuing to use acne treatments that don't work
- ✗Not addressing the root cause (sweat, humidity, etc)
Fun Fact: Fun fact: Head & Shoulders shampoo (the one for dandruff) can actually be a face wash for fungal acne because it contains zinc pyrithione which is antifungal! Weird but some people swear by it. 🧴
Frequently Asked Questions
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