Fungal acne is a skin condition due to the Malassezia yeast fungus infecting the hair follicles. Another name is Malassezia folliculitis or Pityrosporum folliculitis. Its characteristics are small, itchy, and red bumps on the skin. Sometimes they can increase in size slightly and turn into whiteheads (small white or yellow pus pockets).
Fungal Acne vs. Common Acne
Many often think that fungal acne is common acne because it looks the same. These two conditions are different. Acne usually occurs when hair follicles become clogged with bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells. Meanwhile, fungal acne occurs due to a fungal infection of the hair follicles. The biggest difference is that fungal acne will itch, while common acne will not.
Symptom
Fungal acne appears when fungi enter the hair follicles and multiply, causing pimples to appear on the skin's surface. The signs are small round lumps, sometimes filled with pus, so you will see a white head, swelling, redness, irritation, itching, and a stinging sensation.
The location of fungal acne is usually in:
- Chest
- Upper back
- Arm
- Forehead
Causes:
Fungal acne appears due to an overgrowth of fungus, but it is unknown why it can attack the hair follicles. However, this fungal yeast likes hot and humid environments, so people who live in humid climates or environments are more at risk.
Some conditions that can cause fungal acne are:
- Wearing clothing that is too tight and sweats for a long time, such as tracksuits. The sweat will be trapped and create a moist environment, which is favored by the fungus.
- Using the same clothes over and over again without washing them. The fungus likes this environment as a place where it breeds.
- A weakened immune system and lack of personal hygiene make it easier to be infected by fungi.
- Having oily skin can be due to skin type, use of sunscreen, or lotion.
- Taking antibiotics so that the bacteria on the skin is reduced increases the potential for fungus to grow more.
Avoid using clothes that are damp due to sweat
How to Prevent
The consequences are often equated with common acne caused by bacteria. Many people do the wrong treatment. Using antibiotics or anti-acne drugs will not work. Therefore, try to see a doctor if you cannot do prevention at home. Here are some ways you can do to prevent fungal acne.
- Take a shower more regularly and cleanly, especially if you like to exercise or after activities that cause excessive sweating.
- Use breathable clothing so that air circulation is good.
- Use over-the-counter antifungal drugs at pharmacies; it would be better to ask first.
- Do not consume excessive carbohydrates, such as sweet foods or drinks that contain lots of sugar, because yeast likes it.
- Use anti-dandruff shampoo.
- Make sure the room or bed is not damp.
Make sure to take a shower if you sweat
So, fungal acne is not the same as ordinary acne and will not work if treated with antibiotics or anti-acne drugs because the cause is not bacteria but fungi. The way to prevent it is to take a shower diligently, wear breathable clothes, avoid consuming excessive carbohydrates, try changing to anti-dandruff shampoo, and make sure the room is not damp. Let's read other Fitie articles!