Fungal acne (or pityrosporum folliculitis) shows up as small, red, itchy bumps that are uniform in size and look like regular acne, but appear on areas that sweat more, such as the chest or shoulders. It responds best to antifungal treatments that are spread on the skin or taken by mouth.
Face masks
Fungus acne, also called Malassezia folliculitis, appears as tiny bumps that don’t respond to regular acne treatments. It’s caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Malassezia, which grows best in warm, moist environments. The condition often flares in summer because of heat, humidity and sweating. It can also worsen when the skin is exposed to oily skincare products, or after taking medications that interfere with the natural balance of bacteria and yeast on the skin, such as antibiotics.
The most common signs of fungal acne include small, uniform clusters of bumps that resemble a patterned rash on the face or chest. The bumps are itchy and don’t have blackheads or whiteheads, unlike regular acne, which is often accompanied by these features. The rash can also itch or burn, and some of the bumps may rupture or become filled with pus.
Because bacterial and fungus acne look very similar, it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis from a dermatologist. A dermatologist can examine the skin, potentially swab the area for testing and provide an appropriate treatment. A dermatologist can recommend antifungal creams and washes like ketoconazole and selenium sulfide to reduce the yeast population on the skin, as well as oral antifungal medication for more persistent cases. In some rare cases, photodynamic therapy (PDT) might be used to target the fungus directly.
Over-the-counter treatments
In mild cases, over-the-counter antifungal body washes and shampoos containing ingredients like ketoconazole and selenium sulfide can effectively treat fungal acne. They work by invading the fungus responsible and blocking its growth, and have shown an 80-90% clearance rate in clinical studies. For best results, use them regularly for several weeks to get rid of the excess yeast that leads to the rash. Skin care products labeled “non-comedogenic” (meaning they won’t clog pores) may also help prevent further breakouts.
Yeast that grows too much on the face can look similar to traditional acne, so the diagnosis of fungal acne is often made by health care providers or dermatologists based on characteristic symptoms and a physical exam. A skin scraping or Wood’s lamp exam, which uses ultraviolet light to inspect the cells in your skin, can also help identify the yeast.
Yeast that causes fungal acne thrives in warm, moist environments. Sweaty workouts, long hours in tight clothing or humid weather can all fuel yeast overgrowth. Fungal acne usually forms in consistent, uniform clusters of small, evenly-sized bumps that resemble a patterned rash. The rash can itch or burn and may ooze fluid if irritated or scratched. It is important to avoid popping or squeezing the bumps because this can lead to serious infections, including a yeast infection that can spread to other parts of the body and cause other health problems.
Skincare tips
If your skin has been plagued with small, itchy bumps that don’t respond to typical acne treatments, they could be fungal acne. Also called pityrosporum folliculitis, these tiny pimples are caused by an overgrowth of a type of yeast known as Malassezia. This fungus naturally lives on the skin, but if it grows out of control or if hair follicles become damaged (such as when you shave), a rash of bumpy, itch-inducing acne forms.
Unlike regular acne, which tends to be filled with blackheads or whiteheads, fungal acne looks like a patterned rash of consistent clusters of small bumps. Itching follows the rash, and it may burn or feel painful when touched. This type of folliculitis usually flares in warm and humid environments, during sweaty workouts, or when wearing tight clothing that traps moisture against the skin.
Because fungi thrive in damp conditions, keeping your skin cool and dry is crucial for managing a breakout. You can keep fungi at bay by using an exfoliant with salicylic acid, which is a beta-hydroxy acid that helps to unclog pores and reduce inflammation. Try applying a thin layer of an exfoliant to your face and letting it sit for 20-30 minutes before rinsing it. It’s best to use a salicylic acid wash that is specially designed for your skin type, like Porefectly Clear Clarifying Wash for the face(Mild) or The Skin Renewal Trio Pore Perfecting Solution(Potent). Yeast also feeds on certain oils and fatty acids, so switching to a non-comedogenic or oil-free skincare routine can help manage a flare-up.
See a dermatologist
Often mistaken for regular acne, fungal acne (or Pityrosporum folliculitis) is an overgrowth of the Malassezia yeast, causing small bumps that are red and itchy. The condition may flare in warm weather or during puberty. It can also be aggravated by the use of oily cosmetics, sweating and certain medications. A dermatologist can identify this form of acne by the characteristic symptoms and a physical exam. They will ask how long you’ve had the rash, if it oozes or crusts and about any medications you are taking. Because many acne treatments are antibacterial, they can wipe out the normal skin bacteria, allowing the yeast to grow out of control and lead to this type of acne.
The bumps of fungal acne usually appear in consistent clusters that look similar in size and shape, unlike the sporadic pimples you might see with regular acne. They will also be much drier than traditional acne and lack the red border or ring that can be present around other kinds of pimples.
A dermatologist can help you create a treatment plan that includes prescription remedies and lifestyle changes. Keeping the skin dry by showering promptly and using powders can prevent further clogging of the hair follicle and reduce irritation from the overgrowth of the fungus. And choosing cleansers, toners and moisturisers labelled non-comedogenic can ensure the pores don’t get clogged by products that are too oily or greasy.