
Acne: Causes, Symptoms & Best Treatment Options
Acne is one of the most common skin concerns worldwide, but fungal acne has emerged as a major topic of concern for dermatologists and patients alike. Unlike typical acne caused by bacteria and excess sebum, fungal acne results from yeast overgrowth on the skin. This condition often goes undiagnosed or is mistaken for traditional acne, delaying proper treatment. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss what fungal acne is, its causes, symptoms, and the best fungal acne treatment options recommended by experts, including insights from Dr. Atul Kathed, a leading dermatologist in India. What is Fungal Acne? According to Dr. Atul Kathed, fungal acne, also known as Malassezia folliculitis, is not true acne but a skin condition triggered by the overgrowth of yeast, particularly Malassezia species, within hair follicles. This yeast naturally exists on human skin, but certain factors can cause its overgrowth, leading to itchy, uniform, acne-like bumps on the chest, back, shoulders, neck, and sometimes the face. Unlike bacterial acne, fungal acne is often itchy, appears in clusters, and doesn’t respond to typical acne treatments such as benzoyl peroxide or antibiotics. This is why correct diagnosis and proper fungal acne treatment are crucial. What Causes Fungal Acne? The main reason behind fungal acne is yeast imbalance on the skin. Dr. Atul Kathed explains that several factors trigger this imbalance: What is the Cause of Fungal Infection in India? In India, Dr. Atul Kathed notes that high humidity, excessive heat, and increasing pollution contribute significantly to fungal infections. Overcrowded living conditions and limited awareness about proper hygiene also play a role. Moreover, self-medication with topical steroids or inappropriate antibiotics often worsens the problem rather than curing it. Symptoms of Fungal Acne Identifying fungal acne correctly is essential for effective treatment. Typical symptoms include: These symptoms help differentiate fungal acne from bacterial acne, ensuring the right fungal acne treatment is used. How to Get Rid of Fungal Acne? Dr. Atul Kathed emphasizes a multi-step approach for treating fungal acne effectively: 1. Antifungal Medications Oral antifungal medicines such as Itraconazole or Fluconazole may be prescribed for severe cases. These help reduce yeast overgrowth from within. 2. Topical Antifungal Creams and Shampoos Creams containing ketoconazole or ciclopirox are commonly used. Even antifungal shampoos like selenium sulfide or zinc pyrithione can be applied to affected areas for relief. 3. Proper Skin Hygiene Daily cleansing with antifungal cleansers helps keep the skin dry and yeast-free. Avoiding tight, synthetic clothing and wearing breathable cotton fabrics reduce sweat accumulation. 4. Avoid Steroids and Antibiotics Using topical steroids or unnecessary antibiotics worsens fungal acne by disrupting skin flora and suppressing the immune response. 5. Diet and Lifestyle Changes Reducing excessive sugar and carbohydrates in the diet can help because yeast feeds on glucose. Regular showering after workouts also minimizes the risk. How Dermatologists Treat Fungal Acne When patients visit dermatologists like Dr. Atul Kathed, a complete skin analysis and diagnostic tests are performed to confirm fungal acne. Based on severity, treatment may include: Dermatologists also educate patients on avoiding over-the-counter steroid creams and following up regularly for long-term management. Best Fungal Acne Treatment Options in India Considering India’s climate and lifestyle, Dr. Atul Kathed recommends: Preventing Fungal Acne: Expert Advice Prevention is always better than cure. Some tips include: Following these steps minimizes the risk of fungal acne and keeps the skin clear and healthy. Conclusion Fungal acne may look like regular acne, but it requires a different treatment approach. With the right diagnosis and expert guidance from dermatologists like Dr. Atul Kathed, patients can achieve clear, healthy skin. Proper fungal acne treatment, lifestyle modifications, and preventive care go a long way in controlling this stubborn skin condition, especially in hot and humid regions like India.