Recognize Fungal Acne that is different from ordinary acne

Fungal acnenamely infection of the hair follicles that occur due to excessive growth of fungus. This condition can cause a collection of small, itchy and red bumps on the skin, so many people often mistake them for pimples.

Even though there is the term 'acne' or acne, fungal acne or fungal acne is not acne. It's a type of folliculitis, which is inflammation of the hair follicles or where the hair grows. In order not to get confused, see further explanations about fungal acne here!

Get to know Fungal Acne and its Causes

Fungal acneis a skin condition that occurs as a result of a fungal infection called Malassezia yeast. That is why this condition is also called Malassezia folliculitis or Pityrosporum folliculitis.

However, unlike acne in general, the main cause of fungal acne is not just oil and bacteria that clog pores. Although oil and sebum production play a very large role in helping to feed the bacteria that cause this skin problem.

In contrast, pimple-like bumps and irritated skin due to fungal acne occur due to overgrowth of Malassezia yeast. Fungus or yeast actually always exist in the area of ​​human skin.

Normally, the body can balance the yeast, other fungi and bacteria that are also part of your skin.

However, when this natural balance is disturbed, overgrowth can occur. That's when a hair follicle infection develops, and acne-like symptoms appear

There are several conditions that can disrupt the balance of bacteria and fungi and cause fungal acne, namely:

1. Humid conditions.Wearing sports clothes that are wet with sweat for too long can encourage the growth of fungus. Re-wearing sports clothes without washing them can also expose your skin to the fungus that grows on these clothes.

2. Drugs.When you take antibiotics, the bacteria on your skin can be reduced. This could allow mold to grow excessively.

3. The immune system is suppressed.People with weakened immune systems may be more at risk of developing fungal acne.

4. Changes in diet.Fungi and yeast feed on carbohydrates. So, eating lots of sweet and carbohydrate-rich foods can trigger an overgrowth of yeast.

5. Wearing tight clothes.Wearing clothes that don't allow your skin to breathe freely can encourage extra sweat and moisture. This can foster a skin environment that is conducive to yeast growth.

6. Warm and humid environment.People who live in hot climates, where they are more likely to sweat, may experience fungal acne more often.

Know the Symptoms

At first glance, the symptoms of fungal acne may look the same as bacterial acne, namely the appearance of small bumps that may look like a rash. That's why many people often can't tell the difference

However, here is how to differentiate fungal acne and bacterial acne:

• Size.Pus-filled bumps that appear due to fungal acne tend to be almost the same size, while bacterial acne appears in various sizes.
• Location.Fungal acne often appears on the arms, chest and back. However, it can also be on the face, where bacterial acne is most common.
• Itchy.This fungal infection also often causes itching, a symptom that rarely occurs in acne.
• Group.Fungal acne often appears in clusters of small bumps. Bacterial acne rarely clusters.

Since this skin problem results from the growth of a fungus, you may also experience other yeast-related conditions, such as psoriasis and dandruff. It can also help you determine whether your acne is due to fungus or other causes.

Treatment of Fungal Acne

Fungal acne often does not go away because many people treat it with the wrong medication. Anti-acne drugs are not effective for dealing with them

The best way to treat fungal acne is with antifungal medications or creams. There are various antifungal creams and ointments that you can get over the counter.

Look for creams with ingredients such as ketoconazole, butenafine, or clotrimazole cream. Dermatologists at RSU Hermina Medan can also prescribe oral medications, such as fluconazole and itraconazole, to get rid of the infection.

Apart from that, you also need to do the following self-care to help your skin recover:

• Bathe more regularly

If you exercise regularly or have a job that makes you sweat, try showering and changing clothes right after the gym or work.

This will help get rid of any fungus that may have started growing on the warm, moist skin caused by wet clothes.

• Wear looser clothes

If you often wear tight clothes, friction and a little air flow can encourage fungal growth on the skin.

So, wear looser clothing to allow the skin to get proper circulation and promote a balanced growth of bacteria and fungi.