Fungal acne is an infection that transpires in the skin’s hair follicles. It primarily appears in small pimples that are mostly the same shape or size and often itches. This type of Pimple can induce whiteheads and skin aggravation, often confusing Pimple vulgaris. It is most commonly linked with blackheads and whiteheads.
However, fungal acne and Pimple vulgaris are two different types generated by two different things, and both require different treatments for effective results. Using anti-Pimple remedies can make your fungal acne worse. Therefore, it is essential to understand Pimple and its development.
Causes of Fungal Acne
Unlike regular Pimple, fungal acne is not caused by sebum and bacteria in your pores. However, oil and sebum production plays a significant part in feeding the bacteria that generate fungal acne.
An overgrowth of yeast causes pimple-like bumps and aggravated skin linked to fungal acne. Due to this reason, it is called fungal acne, often called Pityrosporum folliculitis or Malassezia folliculitis.
The yeast that promotes fungal acne is always present on your skin, often balanced by your body. However, it can overgrow if the natural balance gets upset, resulting in fungal acne symptoms.
The following events can upset this balance of bacteria and fungi:
Excess of Moisture
Wearing sweaty workout clothes for an extended time can promote yeast growth. Likewise, re-wearing workout clothes without washing expose your skin to fungi that may have grown in the clothes.
Medication For Pimple
If you are on antibiotics, the bacteria on your skin can be decreased, and that can cause the overgrowth of a fungus.
Suppressed Immune System For Pimple
People who have compromised immune systems are more likely to generate Pimple.
Diet Changes
Fungi and yeast feast on carbohydrates, so balancing your diet may help slow fungal growth.
Tight Clothes
Regularly wearing extremely tight clothes can promote extra sweat and moisture and make an environment ripe for yeast growth.
Warm & Moist Environments
People who reside in hot climates may experience Pimple more frequently because of excessive sweating.
Symptoms of Fungal Acne
The following are the most standard symptoms of fungal acne:
Size
Pus-filled bumps induced by Pimple are usually the same size.
Location
Fungal acne appears on the arms, chest, and back. Moreover, it can also be on the face, which is a common area for bacterial Pimple.
Itching
Fungal acne often causes itchiness, whereas other types of Pimple do not have this symptom.
Clusters
Pimple mostly appears in clusters of tiny whiteheads on your body parts.
Treatment of Fungal Acne
Fungal acne is often treated incorrectly because it seems like regular Pimple. Most people use common anti-Pimple treatments to fight it, but those would not work.
In order to properly treat the fungal infection, you need to repair the balance between yeast and bacteria. The following treatment options can help you attain this:
1- Shower Regularly
If you regularly work out or sweat excessively, you should be showering and changing clothes right after the gym or work to keep the skin fresh and clean. It can also help wash away surplus yeast that may have begun growing in warm and moist environments in sweaty clothes.
2- Wear Looser Clothes
Tight clothes have friction and cause low airflow that can promote yeast growth on the skin. You need to opt for loose and breathable fabrics to help your skin get the required circulation that promotes balanced bacterial and fungal growth.
3- Use a Body Wash
Body washed made with pyrithione zinc, or selenium sulfide are highly recommended to avoid fungal acne. Wash your skin several times a week with these body washes while experiencing a breakout.
You may also use it regularly, such as about once a week, to keep a healthy balance of yeast and bacteria on your skin. Let the body wash sit on your skin for several minutes before rinsing for best results.
4- OTC Antifungal Treatments
Numerous OTC antifungal creams and ointments are known to combat Pimple. Look for ketoconazole, butenafine, or clotrimazole cream in their ingredients.
5- Prescribed Oral Antifungal Medicine
If home treatments are not helping to eliminate the breakout, you should consider an appointment with your dermatologist. Your doctor can prescribe an oral medication to stop the infection, like itraconazole or fluconazole.
Prevention of Fungal Acne
Fungal acne can not be entirely removed, but it can be prevented. The following steps can help in the prevention:
Rinse with Dandruff Shampoo Regularly
You can use dandruff shampoos as a body wash to prevent fungal acne, and it may help uphold a healthy balance of yeast on your skin. Once the Pimple is treated, you can cut back on the frequency of your use as little as once a week.
Wear Breathable Fabrics
Breathable fabrics allow airflow, reducing the possibility of moist environments that promote fungus growth.
Shower when you Sweat
A quick shower after a workout or a sweaty day at work can help stop yeast growth issues, eventually diminishing the chances of fungal acne.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Fungi-like yeast flourishes on sugary carbohydrates, so you need to balance your diet with fruits, vegetables, and proteins that will discourage the overgrowth of yeast.
It is best to keep an expert with you in your journey for better guidance. Book an appointment with the best Dermatologist in Karachi through Marham for more information.
