Do you have tiny, itchy bumps across your forehead, cheeks, or upper back?
Do they all look the same size, and do you also have dandruff or scalp flaking?
If yes — you likely have fungal acne.
While it looks similar to regular acne, it’s caused by a yeast (fungus), not bacteria.
That’s why treatments that work for typical acne often don’t help (and can even make it worse).
🧴 Real Results from Clients
We’ve helped countless people manage and clear fungal acne.
Here are a few examples from clients who followed fungal acne–safe routines — consistent, simple, and effective.
What Is Fungal Acne?
Fungal acne, or Malassezia folliculitis, is caused by the Malassezia fungus, a yeast naturally found on human skin.
This fungus has over 22 known species and is normally harmless — it only becomes problematic when the skin’s balance is disrupted.
Malassezia is lipophilic, meaning it feeds on oil and fat.
That’s why it’s common on areas rich in oil glands — the scalp, face, chest, and back.
When the fungus multiplies too quickly, it:
- Disrupts the natural renewal of skin cells
- Causes flaky skin (dandruff) and itching
- Leads to tiny, uniform, acne-like bumps
Malassezia is also linked to other skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff.
What Causes Fungal Acne?
The causes of fungal acne aren’t completely understood, but certain factors can trigger or worsen it.
1. Health and Immune Factors
Conditions like diabetes, HIV, or weakened immunity can make you more prone to Malassezia overgrowth.
It’s also seen more often in people using steroids, birth control pills, or under chronic stress.
2. Antibiotic Use
Long-term antibiotic use disrupts the skin’s microbiome — killing the bacteria that normally keep yeast in check.
This allows Malassezia to grow freely, often worsening acne after antibiotic treatment.
3. Climate and Environment
Fungal acne thrives in hot, humid weather and at a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5.
That’s why it’s more common in tropical climates — like the Philippines and Pakistan.
Diagnosing Fungal Acne
Fungal acne is often misdiagnosed as bacterial acne because the bumps look similar.
Here’s how to tell them apart:
How to Recognize Fungal Acne
- Itchy skin: Fungal acne usually itches — bacterial acne doesn’t.
- Uniform bumps: All bumps are roughly the same size and shape.
- Location: Common on the forehead, cheeks, chest, shoulders, and back.
- Dandruff connection: Fungal acne often comes with scalp flaking or dandruff.
- Antibiotic resistance: If antibiotics didn’t help (or made things worse), fungal acne is likely the culprit.
Treating Fungal Acne
Fungal acne treatment focuses on restoring skin balance and starving the yeast by avoiding ingredients it feeds on.
1. Avoid Malassezia-Feeding Ingredients
Fungal acne feeds on most oils and esters.
Instead, look for fungal acne–safe ingredients such as:
- MCT Oil
- Squalane
Avoid coconut oil, olive oil, and fatty acids that act as food for the yeast.
2. Use an Antifungal Topical Treatment
For more severe cases, short-term use of antifungal ointments can help clear fungal acne effectively.
Ask your pharmacist for a cream containing 2% ketoconazole, one of the most reliable antifungal ingredients.
Use it with the contact therapy method:
Apply a thin layer for 20 minutes, then rinse off — it’s just as effective as overnight application but far less irritating.
If you can’t find a cream, a ketoconazole shampoo can also help.
Apply it to affected areas for 10 minutes, then rinse off.
For scalp or body fungal acne, alternating this with a Salicylic Acid Shampoo can enhance results — salicylic acid helps gently exfoliate dead skin and reduce oil buildup, making it harder for Malassezia yeast to thrive.
3. Include Active Ingredients That Support Recovery
Certain skincare actives help control fungal acne and prevent it from returning — when used in fungal-safe formulations:
- Honey
- Azelaic acid
- Sulfur
- Urea
- Salicylic acid (also fights bacterial acne and unclogs pores)
Recommended Skincare Routine
Keep your fungal acne routine simple — too many products can make it worse.
This minimalist approach works for both fungal and regular acne (acne vulgaris).
Basic Routine
- Gentle Cleanser: Use a pH-balanced, fragrance-free cleanser.
- Treatment Step: Use a fungal-safe active like azelaic or salicylic acid.
- Moisturizer: Choose a lightweight, non-oily moisturizer.
- Sunscreen: Use a non-comedogenic, oil-free SPF daily.
Stick with this for several weeks — consistency matters more than the number of products you use.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re unsure whether your acne is fungal or bacterial, you can still start with this routine.
It’s safe for both and helps balance your skin barrier while you figure it out.
Final Thoughts
Fungal acne can be confusing — it looks like acne but behaves differently.
By understanding its causes and avoiding what fuels it, you can keep your skin clear, calm, and balanced.
Keep your routine simple, avoid fungal-feeding ingredients, and treat your skin gently.
The right fungal acne–safe skincare can completely transform your skin — and confidence.