Are you noticing mysterious bumps and breakouts on your skin? It could be a form of fungal acne, which is caused by a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia. It’s not the same as regular acne, which is caused by bacteria, so you can’t treat it the same way. To get rid of fungal acne, you’ll need a dedicated skincare routine.
What Is Fungal Acne?
Fungal acne is an infection of the skin caused by Malassezia, which is a type of fungus that naturally lives on the skin. It’s found on the scalps of many adults, and some of it can live on the face, too. Fungal acne isn’t caused by dirt, so it won’t go away with regular cleansing. It won’t respond to acne medications or treatments either.
Fungal acne appears as small, red bumps on the skin, similar to regular acne. The bumps can be itchy and painful, and they can become large and inflamed over time. Unlike regular acne, they’re not filled with pus, they don’t have whiteheads, and they’re not caused by blocked pores. They can also look like hives or insect bites.
Diagnosing Fungal Acne
It can be tricky to diagnose fungal acne because it looks so much like regular acne. To get a definite diagnosis, you should see a doctor or dermatologist. They may take a sample of the skin to examine it under a microscope and make sure it’s not caused by bacteria. If the doctor is unable to diagnose it, they may recommend a skin biopsy.
Once you get a diagnosis, you can start your skincare routine to treat it. The good news is that fungal acne is usually not serious and can be treated with the right skincare products. It’s important to follow the routine every day to prevent it from coming back.
Fungal Acne Skincare Routine
Step 1: Cleanse the Skin
The first step in treating fungal acne is to cleanse the skin twice a day with a gentle cleanser. You should avoid harsh cleansers that contain ingredients like alcohol, which can irritate the skin. Instead, look for cleansers that are specifically formulated for fungal acne and contain ingredients like tea tree oil, which can help kill the fungus.
Step 2: Treat With a Medicated Cream
After cleansing, you should use a medicated cream to help treat the fungal acne. Look for creams that contain antifungal ingredients, such as ketoconazole, miconazole, or clotrimazole. These creams can help to kill the fungus and reduce the inflammation associated with fungal acne.
Step 3: Use a Moisturizer
It’s important to keep the skin moisturized when treating fungal acne. Look for a moisturizer that contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid. This will help to soothe the skin and keep it from getting too dry.
Step 4: Avoid Face Masks
Although face masks can be helpful for regular acne, they can make fungal acne worse. Face masks can trap the fungus and make it harder to get rid of. You should avoid using face masks until the fungal acne is gone.
Step 5: Avoid Fragrances
When treating fungal acne, you should avoid using products with fragrances, as they can irritate the skin and make the condition worse. Look for products that are labeled as “fragrance-free” to be sure they won’t cause any irritation.
Conclusion
Fungal acne can be hard to diagnose and treat, but with a dedicated skincare routine, you can get rid of it for good. Make sure to use gentle cleansers, medicated creams, and moisturizers to help kill the fungus and reduce the inflammation. Avoid face masks and fragrances, as they can make the condition worse. With the right skincare routine, you can get your skin back to looking healthy and clear.