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Fungal Acne vs. Regular Acne

Even if acne is mainly caused by bacteria, this doesn’t mean other microorganisms can’t also cause it. Fungal acne and regular acne are not the same and are something it has to be clarified.

Fungal is caused by an overgrowth of yeast or fungi on the skin.

This overgrowth causes inflammation of hair follicles; hence you will notice lesions similar to “regular” acne. On some occasions, they can look the same, but that doesn’t mean they can be treated the same way.

Still, you can differentiate them because fungal acne feels itchy and gives you an uncomfortable feeling, and every papule or comedo will have the same size most of the time;  however, it can be found in the same areas as bacterial acne like the T-zone, forehead, chest, and back.

How is fungal acne caused?

Sweat, humid weather, high temperatures, and oily skin increases the breed of fungi.

Also, the prolonged use of antibiotics, steroids, and other immunosuppressors can mess with your skin microbiome, leaving an increased fungi synthesis.

Which products can I use for fungal acne?

Usually, the ingredients found on anti-dandruff soaps or shampoos are the recommended ones; between them, you can find Zinc pyrithione or ketoconazole.

Which products should I avoid?

Avoid petroleum derivatives, amino acids, oils, fermented ingredients, polysorbates, and esters.

How can I be sure that I have fungal instead of regular acne?

If you have been using antibiotics or treatments prescribed for regular acne for a while and do not see a difference, you probably have fungal acne; also, remember the size of the lesions is constant in fungal acne while in regular the sizes and shape are variable.

If you want to be entirely sure of your diagnosis, consult with a dermatologist, and they will do a simple test that takes a couple of seconds where they can observe on the microscope which is the source of your lesions.

Also Read: How to Get Thick Hair Naturally at Home?

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