Fungal acne and hormonal acne are often confused with each other because both types of acne start in the hair follicles. Fungal acne occurs when excess yeast develops, whereas hormonal acne is caused by excess sebum. Fungal acne can result in whiteheads, itchiness and often becomes red, irritated and inflamed.
Common acne happens when hair follicles get blocked with bacteria, oil and dead skin. Fungal acne is a fungal infection in hair follicles. The main difference is that fungal acne can be itchy and acne vulgaris isn't. It's important to distinguish between fungal and common acne because the treatments are different.
Another common cause of fungal acne is a hormonal imbalance. When your hormones are out of balance, it can throw off the delicate ecosystem on your skin, which can lead to the overgrowth of fungus. Hormonal imbalances are often to blame for teenage acne, but they can also affect adults.
You can tell if acne is hormonal or bacteria by its severity if flare-ups occur during hormonal imbalances, and whether topical treatments resolve the issues, or if systemic medications are needed.
Hormonal acne happens because of hormone fluctuations, especially testosterone. A rise in testosterone may stimulate the excessive sebum production from the sebaceous glands. When this sebum combines with dirt, bacteria, and dead skin cells, it results in clogged pores and acne.
This includes the bottom of your cheeks and around your jawline. For some people, hormonal acne takes the form of blackheads, whiteheads, and small pimples that come to a head, or cysts. Cysts form deep under the skin and don't come to a head on the surface. These bumps are often tender to the touch.
What does fungal acne look like? These breakouts tend to be small, uniform red bumps arising from the hair follicles, often in symmetric rows on the forehead, scattered on cheeks and, occasionally, on the upper back and upper chest.
Salicylic acid is yet another effective ingredient to use for fungal acne. The ingredient is known for its exfoliating properties and unclogging of pores. This can help keep your fungal-acne-prone skin protected from yeast growth and also get rid of patchiness and dullness that might come with it.
– Fatty acids and oils
As fungi feed on oils and fatty acids, it is best to avoid these elements altogether. Some oil exceptions that are are safe for fungal acne include squalene, mineral oil and capric triglycerides.
Treatment is with topical and/or oral antifungal medications such as: Ketoconazole cream, shampoo, and tablets (Extina) Clotrimazole cream (Mycelex, Lotrimin AF) Ciclopirox cream and shampoo (Loprox, Penlac)
BENZOYL PEROXIDE:
Can be an effective ingredient (antimicrobial) to fight both acne bacteria and yeast. However, is best when applied and left on the skin for 10-20mins then rinsed off to avoid dehydrating the skin.
Fungal acne should go away after about two to three weeks, however, if symptoms continue for more than a month, you may need a stronger prescription.
Step 3: Fungal Acne safe moisturizers
Since the sulfur mask and Nizerol will dry out the skin, it is important you are using Fungal Acne-approved moisturizers. This step in your fungal acne treatment should become part of your daily skincare routine.
Grade 1 (mild): Mostly whiteheads and blackheads, with a few papules and pustules. Grade 2 (moderate or pustular acne): Multiple papules and pustules, mostly on your face. Grade 3 (moderately severe or nodulocystic acne): Numerous papules and pustules, along with occasionally inflamed nodules.
Fungal acne is caused by the buildup and infection of hair follicles by the yeast Malassezia on your skin. Though bacteria, yeast, fungus live on our skin normally, typically our body does a good job of keeping the levels in balance.
So products spiked with linoleic, oleic, stearic, palmitic, myristic, and lauric acids could exasperate fungal acne. Many of these are naturally found in coconut oil, so you can also add that to the list of ingredients to avoid.
Wearing clothing that does not breathe well, such as synthetic fabrics, and sweaty clothing for too long, or re-wearing workout gear can make you more likely to develop fungal acne as well. Wearing tight or restrictive clothing can also increase your risk.
While having some fungus and bacteria on your skin is normal, an imbalance can lead to an overgrowth of yeast. Yeast can then enter into the sebaceous glands via the hair follicle and cause the inflammation and itchiness that comes with fungal acne.
Following a nutrient-dense diet, cutting out dairy, and limiting added sugars are evidence-based practices that may improve acne symptoms. Taking certain supplements like vitamin D and green tea extract, getting enough sleep, quitting smoking, and reducing stress are other healthy ways to fight this disease.
Dr. Geddes-Bruce's top tips for hormonal acne include always cleansing your face before bed, keeping a consistent, tailored skincare regimen, and avoiding picking. If you're still having trouble with hormonal breakouts, you can also consider a trial of avoiding dairy and high glycemic foods.
Does hormonal acne go away? Acne can't be cured, but with careful treatment you can keep it under control. The severity of the symptoms of hormonal acne are different for everyone. If you develop acne during puberty, it tends to peak at age 17-19 and for most people will go away by their mid-20s.
Hormonal acne can range from mild to severe. Mild acne is usually characterized by non-painful whiteheads and blackheads that occur in smaller outbreaks. Most of the time, this type of hormonal acne resolves itself with no need for medication.
While androgens are essential to the development of acne, routine screening of women with acne or hirsutism usually reveals normal levels of androgens. The serum level of DHEAS, testosterone, and DHT in women with acne ranges from high to normal.