How do I know if I have fungal acne? The most common symptom that you'll notice is itchiness of the bumps. Fungal acne is itchy but never painful, as typical acne can be when a blemish becomes inflamed. Fungal acne can be persistent, worsen with sweating, and flare in hot and humid temperatures.
Fungal acne is spots caused by Malassezia (formerly known as Pityrosporum). Malassezia are yeasts that are naturally found on everyone's skin. Malassezia yeasts can grow in hair follicles, and cause inflammation of hair follicles. This causes spots to develop and this is referred to as fungal acne.
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.
Fungal acne will generally not go away on its own. Fungal acne is a yeast infection that occurs when there is an overgrowth of yeast on the skin, and leads to an infection in the hair follicles. Without treatment, fungal acne can take months to recede. With the proper diagnosis of fungal acne, Dr.
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.
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.
– 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.
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.
Taking antibiotics can also cause fungal acne or make it worse. Bacteria and yeast both live on skin. But antibiotics can decrease the amount of good bacteria present and cause an overgrowth of yeast that may cause fungal acne.
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.
Because fungal acne is caused by clogged follicles, it's also vital to consistently exfoliate in order to keep pores clear and free of debris.
Although there's no surefire way to prevent it, there are methods to keep breakouts at bay. For one, heavy moisturizers and oils can make fungal acne worse by creating a moist environment that allows yeast to grow. Opt for lighter, oil-free, and non-comedogenic body moisturizers that absorb quickly into skin.
“When you treat the condition with antifungal washes or creams, you'll begin to see improvement in about two to four weeks,” Dr. Rodney says.
Most fungal acne will respond well to ketoconazole 2% which is a broad spectrum anti-fungal agent which can be applied topically and is used as a first line defense for fungal acne. For more severe conditions an oral anti-fungal of itraconazole, fluconazole, ketoconazole and terbinafine may be introduced short term.
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.
“When you treat the condition with antifungal washes or creams, you'll begin to see improvement in about two to four weeks,” Dr. Rodney says.
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.
Retinoids, azelaic acid, and adapalene all help open up the pores and balance bacterial and fungal growth. Benzoyl peroxide is an antiseptic that kills everything. In either case, it takes a few weeks for clinical improvement to occur.
Although there's no surefire way to prevent it, there are methods to keep breakouts at bay. For one, heavy moisturizers and oils can make fungal acne worse by creating a moist environment that allows yeast to grow. Opt for lighter, oil-free, and non-comedogenic body moisturizers that absorb quickly into skin.
– 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.
Because fungal acne is caused by clogged follicles, it's also vital to consistently exfoliate in order to keep pores clear and free of debris.