Yes, fungal acne is different from regular (bacterial or hormonal) acne in several key ways:
🔬 What It Actually Is:
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Fungal acne isn't true acne — it's technically called Malassezia folliculitis or pityrosporum folliculitis.
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It’s caused by an overgrowth of yeast (fungus) in the hair follicles, not bacteria.
🆚 Fungal Acne vs. Regular Acne
| Feature | Fungal Acne | Regular Acne |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Yeast (fungus) | Bacteria, hormones, oil |
| Appearance | Small, uniform bumps (often itchy) | Mixed bumps: whiteheads, blackheads, cysts |
| Location | Often on forehead, chest, back, shoulders | Face (especially T-zone), chest, back |
| Itchy? | Yes, often itchy | Rarely itchy |
| Triggers | Sweat, humidity, antibiotics, occlusive skincare | Hormones, diet, clogged pores |
| Responds to acne treatment? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
✅ Treatment for Fungal Acne:
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Antifungal ingredients: ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione
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Avoid heavy or oily products (they feed the yeast)
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Shower after sweating or working out
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Use breathable fabrics to reduce heat and moisture buildup