Yeast acne, or fungal acne, is another skin condition one might mistakenly see as regular acne. This is different from bacterial acne, which occurs due to bacteria. Fungal acne occurs with a type of fungus named Malassezia yeast. It is mistaken for regular acne since the symptoms resemble normal skin breakouts. But it has been noticed for a long time. The condition is clinically known as Malassezia folliculitis. In this guide, you will discover what fungal acne is, how it occurs, and how you can control it by using a free pharmacy discount card.
What is Fungal Acne?
Yeast dermatitis is a skin disease that results from the excessive growth of fungi on the skin surface. It is normal to find yeast on human skin, but it sometimes overgrows. When this occurs, it results in fungal acne. It usually presents as a rash, which may be pink, red, or slightly raised with the size of a pinhead. These growths may occur on the forehead, chest, or back.
Fungal acne is sometimes mistaken for regular acne, though it is two different skin breakouts. While regular acne happens due to bacteria, fungal acne occurs due to yeast. This means that conventional acne treatments may not help with fungal acne.
Symptoms of Fungal Acne
Fungal acne has some unique signs. Here’s how you can recognize it:
Small, uniform pimples that itch
Clusters of bumps, often on the forehead, chest, or back
No blackheads or whiteheads
Skin can feel irritated or sensitive
What Causes Fungal Acne?
Fungal acne occurs when there is an overproduction of yeast on the skin. Several things can cause this overgrowth:
Sweating a lot
Yeast loves water; thus, if you are a person who often sweats, this moisture will result in yeast growth.
Wearing tight clothing
When clothes are tight, they retain heat and moisture, which nurtures yeast growth.
Living in a humid climate
By so doing, humidity increases the incidence of fungal acne due to the warm and moist environment.
Using oily skin products
Using oily creams and oils might worsen fungal acne since they hinder the pores from breathing appropriately.
Taking antibiotics
Antibiotics eliminate bacteria, but they have no impact on yeasts. This can put your skin off-balance and cause the yeast to multiply more than it should.
How to Treat Fungal Acne
Treating fungal acne is different from normal acne. It means that regular acne products may not help. Here are some simple steps to treat fungal acne:
Use antifungal products
Normally, to clear up fungal acne, you should be able to use antifungal creams, lotions, or shampoos that serve for yeast. Look for shampoos that contain ketoconazole or selenium sulfide as the main components. These work to decrease the amount of yeast on the skin's surface.
Shower after sweating
Sweating is one of the most significant causes of fungal acne. It’s important to shower your skin after you exercise or if you’ve been sweating for a long time.
Wear loose clothes
Do not wear fitted fabrics that retain sweat and heat. Wear loose, light-colored clothes that allow the skin to breathe, such as cotton clothes.
Stop using heavy skincare products
Avoid heavy creams or oils that may block the pores on your skin, thus feeding the yeast. Instead, use gentle, oil-free products that eventually allow the skin to breathe and heal independently.
Consult a dermatologist
If your fungal acne does not improve, consult your physician. They may recommend different antifungal drugs to treat and clear the area.
How to Prevent Fungal Acne
Once your fungal acne clears up, preventing it from returning is essential. Here are some easy tips to keep your skin clear:
Keep your skin dry: Immediately towel off after exercise or bathing. This means that the skin does not accumulate moisture on it.
Use breathable fabrics: Loose and preferably cotton clothing enhances skin sweating, keeping it free from moisture.
Switch to lighter skincare products: Avoid greasy products such as oils and creams. Opting for light exfoliating products that do not contain any form of oil is advisable.
Take quick showers after exercise: A shower as fast as 10 minutes will wash off sweat and keep fungi at bay.
Difference Between Fungal Acne and Regular Acne
It’s easy to confuse fungal acne with regular acne. However, there are a few key differences:
Yeast is responsible for fungal acne, while bacteria is responsible for regular acne breakouts.
Fungal acne tends to be itchy, while regular acne is often not itchy.
Fungal acne tends to develop in groups, while regular acne is single pimples, blackheads, or whiteheads.
Understanding such differences will assist one in finding the proper treatment. If you are in doubt, it is wise to consult a dermatologist.
Medications for Fungal Acne Treatment
Here are some of the best medications commonly used to treat fungal acne:
Topical Antifungals
Ketoconazole Cream: Kills yeast and reduces fungal growth.
Clotrimazole Cream: This is best to treat fungal infections on the skin.
Ciclopirox Cream: Effective in eliminating fungal acne-causing yeast.
Oral Antifungals
Fluconazole: Taken orally to target more severe fungal infections.
Itraconazole: A prescription antifungal that helps reduce yeast growth.
Anti-dandruff shampoos (Used as body wash)
Selenium Sulfide (Selsun Blue): Reduces yeast on the skin when applied as a body wash.
Zinc Pyrithione (Head & Shoulders): Helps control fungal acne when used on the affected area.
Benzoyl Peroxide
While it is often effective for bacterial acne, benzoyl peroxide decreases sebum production, decreasing fungus growth.
It is always advisable to consult a dermatologist before fixing any medication to get the right treatment for your condition.
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Conclusion
Fungal acne resembles normal acne breakouts, but it results from yeast production. Itchy bumps and clusters are signs that will enable you to determine if you have fungal acne. This condition can be effectively managed and prevented with the help of antifungal treatments and a few changes in the skincare regimen. If the acne persists, seek the help of a dermatologist to determine the best solution. Don’t wait to get your skin back on track- take action now!