Here’s How to Tell If You Have Fungal Acne

Here’s Everything You Need To Know About Fungal Acne With SILKOR

             
Here's Everything You Need To Know About Fungal Acne With SILKOR

Here’s How to Tell If You Have Fungal Acne

You’re breaking out, but this time, the usual spot treatment isn’t working. The bumps look different, feel different, and just won’t budge. Could it be something else?

Well yes, it might just be fungal acne.

It’s not your average hormonal breakout, and treating it like regular acne might make things worse. So how do you tell the difference? What causes it? And most importantly, how do you get rid of it for good?

We asked Dr. Bushra Khan, expert dermatologist at Silkor, to break it all down for us, because no one wants to fight a skin concern with the wrong strategy. Let’s dive right in.

 

What Is Fungal Acne, Anyway?

Spoiler alert: it’s not technically acne at all.

According to Dr. Bushra, fungal acne (or Malassezia folliculitis) is caused by a type of yeast called Malassezia — not oil or bacteria like typical pimples. “It usually shows up as small, itchy bumps that are all roughly the same size,” she explains. “Unlike hormonal acne, it doesn’t come with blackheads or cysts.”

Key symptoms to look out for:

  • Small, uniform red or skin-colored bumps
  • Clusters on the chest, back, or forehead
  • Itchiness (yep, that’s a giveaway)
  • No response to traditional acne treatments

So if your “acne” isn’t reacting to your usual go-to products — it might not be acne at all.

 

What Causes Fungal Acne? It’s Not Just Sweat… But That’s a Big One

Fungal acne thrives in warm, humid environments. So if you’ve been working out more, traveling to a hot climate, or living in activewear, your skin might be a bit too welcoming to unwanted guests.

Dr. Bushra breaks it down:
“Excessive heat, humidity, and wearing tight clothing are major triggers,” she says. “We also see it in people with compromised immunity or who sweat a lot and don’t change out of damp clothes quickly.”

 

Here’s How to Treat Fungal Acne 

Here’s the plot twist: traditional acne treatments — like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid — often make fungal acne worse. Since it’s not bacterial, those treatments just dry your skin without clearing the root problem.

Dr. Bushra recommends antifungal treatments like:

  • Miconazole cream
  • Nizoral (ketoconazole) shampoo — used on the skin
  • Oral antifungals in persistent or severe cases

But here’s the kicker — you can’t just self-diagnose and hope for the best. A professional consultation is key to figuring out if you’re dealing with fungal acne or something else entirely.

Book a consultation with our doctors

 

Does Silkor Offer Treatments That Help? Absolutely.

“Deep cleansing facials like the Hydrafacial are great,” says Dr. Bushra. “They help purify the skin and reduce buildup, especially when paired with prescription medication.”

At Silkor, our expert therapists and dermatologists work together to:

  • Analyze your skin type
  • Recommend the right non-comedogenic treatments
  • Pair facials with doctor-approved antifungal regimens

We don’t just treat your skin — we teach you how to care for it properly, too.

Explore Hydrafacial treatments at Silkor


How to Avoid Fungal Acne From Coming Back (Yes, It Can Be Prevented!)

Fungal acne can be sneaky, but you can absolutely outsmart it. Dr. Bushra shares her lifestyle tips:

– Shower immediately after sweating
– Change into clean clothes post-workout
– Use antifungal shampoo 2–3 times per week
– Avoid tight clothes and heavy fabrics
– Stick to pH-balanced skincare

 

Facials to Avoid (Yes, Some Can Make It Worse)

Not all facials are created equal — especially if you’re prone to fungal acne. “Avoid anything that uses thick lubricants or masks that clog pores,” says Dr. Bushra. These can trap heat and moisture, creating the perfect breeding ground for yeast.

Need help choosing the right facial? Just ask us. Our team will guide you toward skin-purifying treatments that help your skin stay balanced and breakout-free.

 

Bottom Line: Not All Breakouts Are Created Equal — and We’re Here to Help

Fungal acne might be tricky, but with the right treatment plan, it’s 100% manageable. At Silkor, we combine medical expertise with advanced skincare treatments to help you fight breakouts the smart way.

So if your skin’s been acting up — or if you’re just tired of guessing what’s causing those stubborn bumps — let’s talk.

Book your consultation now
Let’s clear things up….literally.

Catch you next time!