Is It Really Acne? How to Identify and Treat Fungal Acne

When stubborn, itchy pimples wreak havoc on your skin, you might suspect you’re dealing with the common form of acne that many are familiar with. Yet, there’s a masquerader in the realm of skin woes—Pityrosporum folliculitis, often referred to as ‘fungal acne’. This misleading term can cause confusion, as this condition isn’t acne at all. It’s a proliferation of yeast within the hair follicles, that leads to an infection manifesting as breakout-like bumps. Let’s dive into the ins and outs of this condition to determine if your persistent pimples might be an imposter.

 

Understanding the Imposter: Not Your Typical Blemish

Fungal acne presents symptoms similar to traditional acne but is fundamentally different in its cause and treatment. Recognizing these differences is essential for effective management of the condition.

Symptoms of Fungal Acne

  • Clustered uniform red bumps
  • Itchiness, especially when sporting sweat-inducing activities
  • Lack of response to bacterial acne treatments

 

Conventional Acne vs. Fungal Acne

  • Cause: Unlike acne, which is caused by bacteria and excess oil, fungal acne arises from yeast overgrowth.
  • Appearance: It usually manifests as small, uniform, red bumps and pustules on the skin, often on the back, chest, and arms.
  • Sensation: It is typically itchier than regular acne.

Triggers and Contributing Factors

  • Tight Clothing
  • Having skin rub against skin too much
  • Leaving skin hot and damp
  • Shaving,plucking or waxing hair
  • Touching or rubbing skin frequently

Diagnosis: Confirming the Culprit

The symptoms of fungal acne are deceptive, often leading to misdiagnosis and mistreatment. Consulting with a Skin specialist is the most reliable way to confirm the presence of this condition.

 

How to treat Fungal Acne?

It’s worth paying special attention to mandelic acid amongst your treatment options. This remarkable skin care ingredient boasts anti-fungal properties capable of treating your fungal acne by curtailing any yeast proliferation in the follicles.

Mandelic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) with large molecules that don’t penetrate the skin as deeply as other AHAs, making it less irritating. It can exfoliate dead skin cells while simultaneously addressing the yeasty overgrowth that leads to fungal acne.

That being said, seeing optimal results involves using a well-formulated product with enough mandelic acid concentration to be effective.