Fungal Acne – Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

November 18, 2025 6:31 pm

Most people are familiar with regular acne, the type that shows up as pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. But there is another skin condition that looks like acne yet behaves very differently. It is called fungal acne. Many people struggle with it for years without knowing what it really is or how to treat it. They try product after product, thinking they have stubborn acne, only to see little improvement.

This guide explains what fungal acne is, how it develops, what it looks like, what causes it, how to treat it, and how to prevent it. Everything is written in simple, easy to understand language so that anyone can follow along, even without a science background. By the end, you will know how to identify fungal acne and what steps you can take to manage or get rid of it.

 

What Is Fungal Acne

Fungal acne is a skin condition caused by an overgrowth of yeast on the skin. The yeast involved is called Malassezia. Malassezia normally lives on everyone’s skin and is usually harmless. The problem happens when this yeast grows too fast and becomes unbalanced. When that happens, it causes blocked hair follicles, irritation, and small inflamed bumps that look like acne.

Despite its name, fungal acne is not true acne. True acne is caused by bacteria, oil, and clogged pores. Fungal acne is caused by yeast. Because the causes are different, the treatments are also different. This is why fungal acne often does not respond to regular acne treatments. In some cases, typical acne products can even make fungal acne worse.

Doctors sometimes call fungal acne by its medical name. The official term is Malassezia folliculitis or pityrosporum folliculitis. These names describe what is happening. Malassezia refers to the yeast, while folliculitis means inflammation of the hair follicles.

 

Why Some People Get Fungal Acne

Malassezia yeast lives naturally on the skin. It feeds on oils, which is why the parts of the body with more oil glands are more likely to develop fungal acne. These include the forehead, nose, chin, chest, upper back, and shoulders. Under normal circumstances, the yeast stays in balance. But certain conditions can cause it to grow too rapidly. When that happens, the pores become irritated, inflamed, and filled with tiny red or skin colored bumps.

Some common reasons this yeast becomes unbalanced include:

Heat and Sweat

Warm and moist environments create ideal conditions for yeast growth. People who sweat a lot during workouts or live in humid climates often experience fungal acne flare ups.

Oily Skin

Since Malassezia feeds on oils, people with naturally oily skin are more prone to fungal acne.

Skincare or Hair Products

Some products contain ingredients that feed the yeast. Heavy creams, oily sunscreens, and certain hair conditioners can worsen fungal acne.

Tight Clothing

Clothes that trap heat and sweat can lead to yeast overgrowth, especially if worn for long periods.

Antibiotics

Oral antibiotics kill bacteria but do not kill yeast. This sometimes leads to yeast overgrowth on the skin.

Lowered Immune System

When the immune system is weaker, the yeast has a higher chance of growing out of control.

Hormonal Changes

Hormones can influence oil levels, which may contribute to fungal growth.

Understanding the factors that lead to fungal acne helps you reduce your risk and avoid triggers.

 

What Fungal Acne Looks Like

Many people confuse fungal acne with regular acne because they can look similar. But there are key differences. Recognizing these differences is important for choosing the right treatment.

Appearance

Fungal acne usually appears as clusters of small bumps that are about the same size. They may look like tiny pimples, but unlike regular acne, they rarely form large whiteheads or deep painful cysts.

Texture

The bumps often feel rough or sandpaper like. They may appear red, itchy, or inflamed.

Location

Fungal acne often shows up on the forehead, chest, upper back, shoulders, and sometimes on the arms. While it can show up on the face, it is more common on the body than regular acne.

Itching

One of the biggest differences is that fungal acne is often itchy. True acne is usually not itchy.

Uniformity

Regular acne varies in size. You may see a mix of blackheads, whiteheads, and larger pimples. Fungal acne bumps tend to be similar in size and appear in clusters.

Lack of Improvement with Acne Products

If you have tried salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or retinoids with little success, you might be dealing with fungal acne instead of traditional acne.

If these signs match what you see on your skin, fungal acne may be the cause.

 

How Fungal Acne Is Diagnosed

A dermatologist can diagnose fungal acne by examining your skin. Sometimes doctors use a small scraping of the bumps and view it under a microscope. This helps confirm the presence of Malassezia yeast.

In many cases, the diagnosis is based on symptoms alone, especially if the bumps are itchy and clustered in sweaty or oily areas.

If you are not sure whether you have fungal acne or regular acne, you can try a simple at home evaluation:

1. Look at where the bumps appear
2. Notice if they itch
3. Think about whether traditional acne treatments have helped
4. Consider whether sweating or heat makes the bumps worse

This is not a replacement for professional diagnosis, but it can point you in the right direction.

 

What Causes the Yeast to Grow Out of Control

Malassezia yeast feeds on sebum, which is the natural oil produced by the skin. Anything that increases heat, oil, moisture, or friction can create the perfect environment for this yeast to multiply.

Some common triggers include:

Wearing Sweaty Clothes Too Long

If you exercise and leave sweaty clothes on for hours, yeast can grow quickly.

Using Heavy Skincare Creams

Thick moisturizers, oils, and certain lotions can trap moisture and feed yeast.

Wearing Tight Clothing

When the skin cannot breathe, moisture gets trapped and yeast flourishes.

Hot and Humid Weather

People living in tropical or humid environments often deal with fungal acne more than those in dry climates.

Excessive Oil Production

People with oilier skin naturally have a higher chance of yeast imbalance.

Sharing Towels or Clothing

In some cases, yeast can transfer through shared items.

Antibiotic Use

Antibiotics reduce bacteria but leave yeast behind, which allows the yeast to grow faster than usual.

Understanding what causes fungal acne helps you take steps to prevent future flare ups.

 

How to Treat Fungal Acne

Fungal acne needs a different treatment approach from regular acne. Since it is caused by yeast, the treatment must target yeast rather than bacteria. There are several effective options, both over the counter and prescription.

Antifungal Products

Antifungal ingredients kill or slow down yeast. Some common antifungal treatments include:

• Ketoconazole
• Selenium sulfide
• Zinc pyrithione
• Clotrimazole
• Miconazole

These ingredients are commonly found in dandruff shampoos and antifungal creams.

How to Use Antifungal Shampoo

Many people use an antifungal shampoo as a body wash. This works well for treating fungal acne on the chest, back, and shoulders.

To use it:

1. Apply the shampoo to the affected area
2. Leave it on for about five minutes
3. Rinse thoroughly
4. Repeat several times a week

This method helps reduce yeast levels on the skin.

Over The Counter Antifungal Creams

Creams containing clotrimazole or miconazole can be applied directly to the bumps. These creams are inexpensive and widely available.

Oral Antifungal Medication

If the fungal acne is severe or keeps coming back, a doctor may prescribe oral antifungal pills. These medications work from the inside out and can bring relief faster than topical treatments.

Avoid Heavy Skincare Products

Since yeast feeds on oils, switching to lightweight products can help. Look for oil free moisturizers and avoid products with fatty acids that may feed yeast.

Improve Hygiene Habits

Simple lifestyle changes can make a big difference:

• Shower after exercising
• Use clean towels
• Wear loose clothing
• Change out of sweaty clothes quickly

These habits help reduce moisture and yeast growth.

Maintain a Healthy Skin Barrier

While treating fungal acne, it is important not to irritate your skin. Avoid harsh scrubs and over washing. Use gentle cleansers and keep the skin balanced.

 

Ingredients That May Make Fungal Acne Worse

Some skincare ingredients can feed Malassezia yeast and make fungal acne worse. Even products that are good for normal acne may not be suitable for fungal acne.

Ingredients to avoid include:

• Olive oil
• Coconut oil
• Shea butter
• Certain esters
• Polysorbates
• Fermented ingredients
• Fatty acids found in some moisturizers

Instead, choose lightweight, non comedogenic, and yeast safe products.

 

Natural and Home Remedies

Some people prefer natural options. While natural methods do not replace proper treatment, they may provide additional support.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has antifungal properties. Mix one drop with a carrier oil and apply it lightly. Always dilute it to avoid irritation.

Aloe Vera

Aloe provides relief from itching and irritation. It does not kill yeast, but it can soothe inflamed skin.

Salt Water

Salt has natural drying and cleansing effects. A gentle salt water rinse may help reduce moisture.

These methods can be used carefully, but antifungal medications remain the most reliable way to treat the condition.

How Long Treatment Takes

Fungal acne usually improves within a few weeks once the right treatment is used. Mild cases may clear in as little as one or two weeks. More stubborn cases may take four to six weeks or longer.

Consistency is very important. Since yeast grows quickly, missing treatments can slow down progress.

Once the bumps clear, some people need to continue using antifungal shampoo once or twice a week to prevent the condition from coming back.

 

What Happens if Fungal Acne Is Not Treated

If fungal acne is ignored or left untreated, it may continue to get worse. The yeast may keep growing, leading to more bumps, more itching, and more discomfort. In some cases, the bumps can become inflamed and leave temporary marks.

Because it often looks like regular acne, many people try to treat fungal acne with strong acne products. This can irritate the skin and sometimes make the yeast overgrowth even worse.

Early treatment is always easier and faster than waiting until the problem becomes severe.

 

How to Prevent Fungal Acne From Coming Back

Once you clear fungal acne, you want to keep it away. Prevention is important because the yeast that causes fungal acne lives on your skin naturally. This means the condition can return if the right environment is present.

Some simple prevention tips include:

Shower After Sweating

Sweat and heat are major triggers. Showering soon after exercise or outdoor activities helps keep the skin clean.

Use Antifungal Shampoo Weekly

Using an antifungal shampoo as a body wash once or twice a week can prevent yeast from growing too fast.

Wear Loose Clothing

Breathable fabrics allow airflow and reduce moisture buildup.

Keep Your Skin Dry

Moisture supports yeast growth, so dry the skin completely after washing or sweating.

Choose Yeast Safe Skincare

Use lightweight, oil free products and avoid heavy creams.

Change Bedding Often

Sweat and oils on pillowcases and sheets can encourage yeast growth. Washing bedding weekly helps maintain clean skin.

Avoid Sharing Personal Items

Do not share towels, workout clothes, or anything that touches the skin for long periods.

Support Your Immune System

A healthy lifestyle helps your skin stay balanced. Get enough sleep, eat nutritious foods, and manage stress.

 

Fungal Acne vs Regular Acne

Many people confuse the two, but there are clear differences once you look closely.

Fungal Acne

• Caused by yeast
• Small, uniform bumps
• Often itchy
• Common on chest, back, shoulders
• Gets worse with heat and sweat
• Does not respond to regular acne treatments

Regular Acne

• Caused by bacteria, oil, and clogged pores
• Bumps vary in size
• Includes blackheads and whiteheads
• Often appears on the face
• Responds to salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide

Recognizing the difference helps you choose the right treatment.

 

When to See a Dermatologist

While mild fungal acne can often be managed at home, you should see a dermatologist if:

• The bumps do not improve after several weeks of antifungal treatment
• The bumps spread to new areas
• The itching becomes severe
• You are unsure whether it is fungal acne or regular acne
• You have frequent flare ups

A dermatologist can prescribe stronger treatments and guide you with a proper care plan.

 

Living With Fungal Acne

Fungal acne can be frustrating, especially if you have dealt with it for a long time without knowing what it is. It is common for people to feel embarrassed or confused when the bumps do not go away. But the good news is that fungal acne is manageable. Once you understand the cause and use the right treatments, most people see great improvement.

You are not alone in dealing with this condition. Many people around the world struggle with it, especially those in warm or humid environments. With the right approach, you can keep your skin clear and prevent future flare ups.

 

FAQs About Fungal Acne

1. Can fungal acne spread from one person to another?

Fungal acne is not highly contagious, but in some cases yeast can transfer through shared towels, clothing, or close skin contact. It is always safer not to share personal items.

2. Does diet affect fungal acne?

Diet does not directly cause fungal acne, but high sugar intake may encourage yeast growth in some individuals. Some people notice improvement when they reduce sugar, dairy, or processed foods.

3. Can fungal acne appear on the legs?

Yes, although it is less common. Fungal acne can appear anywhere hair follicles exist, including thighs and buttocks.

4. Can makeup make fungal acne worse?

Yes. Some makeup products contain oils or ingredients that feed yeast. Look for lightweight, non comedogenic, and oil free formulas.

5. Do probiotics help with fungal acne?

Probiotics may help balance the microbiome, which can support healthy skin. They are not a direct treatment but may help reduce flare ups for some people.

6. Can stress trigger fungal acne?

Stress does not directly cause fungal acne, but it can weaken the immune system, which may allow yeast to overgrow more easily.

7. Can I exfoliate if I have fungal acne?

Gentle exfoliation is fine, but harsh scrubs can irritate the skin and worsen the condition. Avoid oil based exfoliants and choose mild, water based options instead.

8. How do I know if my moisturizer is safe for fungal acne?

Check the ingredient list for oils, esters, polysorbates, or fermented ingredients. If the product is lightweight, water based, and oil free, it is more likely to be safe.

9. Can fungal acne leave scars?

Fungal acne rarely causes deep scars, but scratching or picking can leave dark marks or irritation. Proper treatment reduces the chance of long lasting marks.

10. Can I have regular acne and fungal acne at the same time?

Yes. Many people have both types together. This is why treatments can be tricky. You may need a combination approach that targets both bacteria and yeast.

 

Conclusion

Fungal acne is a common but often misunderstood skin condition. It may look like regular acne, but it has a completely different cause and requires different treatment. Knowing the signs can help you identify it early. Once you understand how it develops and what makes it worse, you can take steps to control it.

The key points to remember are:

• Fungal acne is caused by yeast, not bacteria
• Heat, sweat, oil, and certain products can trigger flare ups
• Antifungal treatments are the most effective way to clear it
• Regular acne products often do not help
• Good hygiene and yeast safe products can prevent it from coming back