Irrespective of all the beauty regimens you stick by, you might be flushing your money down the toilet. This is because what really is fungal acne could be mistaken for pimples. Therefore, unnecessary money gets spent on off-the-counter products targeted at the wrong kind of breakout.

 

From your back to your chest and face, having protruded acne can get really annoying. But how do you combat what you don’t know? Growing up, you’re not really told how to combat acne but you’re given a more zit focused tip by adults. Getting older just reveals how easy it is when you become more aware of what you’re combating.

 

The term ‘fungal acne’ is an old-time condition that isn’t often identified. Fungal acne looks a lot like hormonal acne or bacterial acne, but it isn’t the same as other types of acne. That’s why your acne products won’t really work. Instead, it is an overgrowth of yeast that hangs around in the hair follicles.

 

Here’s what to look out for to identify fungal acne. Also, find out ways you can treat it if you realise you have one. That way, you can return to your clear and radiant skin once again.

 

 

What is fungal acne?

The scientific name for fungal acne is pityrosporum folliculitis or Malassezia folliculitis. It’s caused by a yeast infection within the hair follicle. You know you have one when the surface gets inflamed, and you get an itchy, acne-like eruption. Every skin has a Malassezia folliculitis, but it can get out of control. When this happens, it can lead to fungal acne breakouts or other skin conditions.

 

The skin needs a normal balance between the bacteria and fungus (yeast). So when the bacteria get wiped out, there won’t be anything to keep the fungus in check. Hence, this would cause an overgrowth of fungus. This can occur when in hot or humid weather and/or you become sweaty, like when you workout. It results in pus bumps, irritation, fungal acne and inflammation.

 

Fungal acne could also be a result of stress, a chronic condition. Unfortunately, some people have a genetic fungal overgrowth and tend to deal with it more often. It is contagious, so you need to be careful with whom you share your toiletries, beauty products, and other clothing items.

 

 

How to treat fungal acne

There are two ways you can treat fungal acne: inside-out and outside-in.

Inside-out treatment

• Yeast and fungi love sugar, so cut sugar from your diet completely.
• Balance your gut microbiota (formerly called gut flora).
• Take natural antifungals like oregano, clove, black walnut and other plants that you can find as capsules or in essential oil form.
• Ask your dermatologist to prescribe an oral anti-fungal medication.

Outside-in treatment

• To get rid of dead skin cells that are trapping oil in your skin, use a chemical exfoliant on your skin. Also, use one with ingredients like lactic acid, bakuchiol or salicylic acid.
• Use proper anti-fungal creams targeted at combating fungal acne.
• Use your dandruff shampoo as a body or face wash.
• Change your detergent to one that is fragrance-free.
• Synthetic materials irritate your skin and contribute to oil formation, so wear natural, breathable fabrics.
• Remove wet workout clothes immediately after exercising.
• Visit your dermatologist for a thorough test to be sure of the type of acne you’ve got (fungal, bacteria or both).