What is Fungal Acne?
Fungal acne is a skin condition caused by a type of yeast known as Malassezia. It’s also sometimes called pityrosporum folliculitis. Unlike the bacteria that cause regular acne, this yeast is naturally present on the skin, and typically only causes problems when it grows out of control. Fungal acne lesions generally look like small red and white bumps on the skin, and are often itchy and uncomfortable. They’re most common on the face, back, chest, and arms, but can occur anywhere on the body.
What Causes Fungal Acne?
Fungal acne is caused when Malassezia, a type of yeast that is normally present on the skin, grows out of control. This typically occurs when the environment of the skin changes, such as when there is an increase in humidity, or when the skin’s natural oils become unbalanced due to excessive washing or use of harsh skin care products. People with oily skin are more likely to suffer from fungal acne, as the excess oil on the skin provides an ideal environment for the yeast to grow. Additionally, people with weakened immune systems are more prone to developing fungal acne.
How to Treat Fungal Acne
The first step in treating fungal acne is to identify the cause. If you have oily skin, it’s important to use non-comedogenic and oil-free skin care products, and to keep your skin clean without over-washing or scrubbing. If you think your fungal acne may be caused by a weakened immune system, it’s important to seek medical advice from your doctor. Once the cause has been identified, there are several treatments available to help clear up fungal acne.
Topical Treatments
Topical treatments are the most common way to treat fungal acne. These treatments aim to reduce the amount of yeast on the skin, as well as reduce inflammation and irritation. Common topical treatments for fungal acne include antifungal creams and gels, such as clotrimazole, miconazole, and terbinafine. These can be applied directly to the affected areas two to three times a day. Additionally, topical corticosteroids can be used to reduce inflammation and itching. It’s important to note that these treatments may take several weeks to work, and should be used as directed by your doctor.
Oral Treatments
In some cases, oral antifungal medications may be prescribed to treat fungal acne. These medications are taken orally, and are often more effective than topical treatments. Common oral antifungal medications include fluconazole, itraconazole, and ketoconazole. As with topical treatments, it can take several weeks for the medication to take effect, and it’s important to take it as directed by your doctor.
Diet and Lifestyle Changes
Making some simple diet and lifestyle changes can also help to prevent and treat fungal acne. It’s important to keep the skin clean, and to avoid using harsh skin care products. Additionally, reducing the amount of sugar, yeast, and dairy in the diet can help to reduce the amount of Malassezia on the skin. It’s also important to reduce stress, as this can weaken the immune system and make the skin more prone to fungal infections.
Preventing Fungal Acne
The best way to prevent fungal acne is to keep the skin clean and healthy. It’s important to use non-comedogenic and oil-free skin care products, and to avoid using harsh cleansers and scrubs. Additionally, reducing the amount of sugar, yeast, and dairy in the diet can help to reduce the amount of Malassezia on the skin. Additionally, reducing stress and getting enough sleep can help to keep the immune system strong and reduce the risk of fungal infections.
Conclusion
Fungal acne is a skin condition caused by an overgrowth of the yeast Malassezia. It’s important to identify the cause of the condition, as this can help to determine the best treatment. Topical treatments such as antifungal creams and corticosteroids can be used to reduce inflammation and itching, and oral antifungal medications may be prescribed in some cases. Making some simple diet and lifestyle changes can also help to prevent and treat fungal acne. It’s important to keep the skin clean, and to reduce the amount of sugar, yeast, and dairy in the diet. Additionally, reducing stress and getting enough sleep can help to keep the immune system strong and reduce the risk of fungal infections.