Fungal acne is one of the most annoying acne types to get rid of because of how persistent it is. Firstly, to get rid of fungal acne, you must be able to spot it. It often disguises itself as regular acne, but common products and medications won’t work on it.
Secondly, be prepared to fight it, because in some cases, it takes months of a consistent skincare routine, diet and lifestyle changes to get rid of fungal acne. In my case, it took about three weeks. And now I will teach you how to treat fungal acne at home in no time.
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links with the Malezia brand. I’ve been an ambassador for this brand for a while, and I only recommend their products because they saved my skin. I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
What Is Fungal Acne?
Fungal acne is not acne. It looks similar; it acts like it, but it’s actually a skin condition caused by Malassezia yeast overgrowth. And it’s happening in hair follicles. The proper name for it is Malassezia folliculitis or Pityrosporum folliculitis.
The overgrowth often leads to inflammation, which can result in small, itchy and red bumps. And then people mistake them for regular acne. But unlike bacterial or hormonal acne, the fungal acne needs a specific and tailored approach.
What Causes Fungal Acne?
How did you even get here? The answer might surprise you. Malassezia yeast is naturally chilling on our skin. But certain factors might disrupt the natural balance and cause yeast overgrowth. The most common issues are a hot and humid environment and, therefore, excessive sweating; tight, non-breathable clothing; a weak immune system; oily skin; or prolonged use of antibiotics.
But there are also other factors, such as your diet (consuming the wrong probiotics, for example, that kills the good bacteria and supports yeast growth) or the use of skincare or makeup that literally feeds the Malassezia.
What Does Fungal Acne Look Like?
To identify fungal acne, you have to look for specific signs, such as small bumps that are itchy and filled with white paste that often smell foul when you push them out. It typically appears on the forehead, chest, and back and shoulders, but some people like me have it all over their face or even on their buttocks.
You know you are dealing with fungal acne when standard acne medication or products such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid never work for you. Here are some pictures to help you get the idea.
How I Realised It Was Fungal Acne (Not Hormonal)
In my previous article, “How to Get Rid of Acne Fast: Heal Acne in Two Weeks“, I mentioned an important key in my discovery of having fungal acne. I was misdiagnosed by several dermatologists, who thought I had severe hormonal acne. But one thing helped me to self-diagnose with fungal acne and clear my skin in three weeks right after.
That thing is called benzoyl peroxide. I remember that day very well. My GP gave me a new prescription for a higher dose of benzoyl peroxide that you can normally purchase over the counter. I was thrilled to use the new product. But it made my skin worse. SO MUCH WORSE! Now, this would be a normal reaction of your skin testing a new product. Except in my case, the yeast hated it so much!
My skin got super itchy and irritated. I wanted to rip my face off! The breakouts were horrible, especially on my back and forehead. So I started to go down the rabbit hole and Google itchy spots on the forehead. It wasn’t normal for hormonal acne.
That’s where I stumbled across multiple suggestions for Malassezia folliculitis. The photos, the symptoms described…everything was suggesting that I’m dealing with fungal acne. But how could this be? I never heard of it before. But the photos on Reddit and stories of other people began to look too familiar. So I tried the one product everyone was swearing by – anti-dandruff shampoo with ketoconazole (Nizoral).
I used it as a face and body wash and normally left it on for about 5-10 minutes each time. Within a few days, my skin cleared up. And I’m not talking about a miracle but about a very visible turning point. Those annoying bumps were gone. It all clicked. Suddenly, I knew exactly what I had been dealing with for years.
Moral of the story? Sometimes, you know your skin better than anyone else, even the experts.
How to Get Rid of Fungal Acne – Step-by-Step
You need to have a look at three main aspects of your life right now: your skincare (plus makeup), diet and medications or supplements. When I finally managed to clear out my skin, I was already on a good diet. But raiding my bathroom and makeup bag was the ultimate life changer. So let’s start over there.
Switch to Fungal Acne-Safe Products
Avoid products that feed Malassezia for miles! The most problematic ingredients are fatty acids (oleic, lauric, and myristic acids), oils (plant-derived oils, coconut oil, etc.), and esters and polysorbates (common in moisturisers and creams). Your best shot is non-comedogenic, oil-free and fungal-acne-safe products. Visit https://folliculitisscout.com/ to check the ingredients and for weekly updates on safe products.
Go For Antifungal Ingredients
Start by applying topical antifungal treatment today. Your goal should be to reduce the yeast overgrowth immediately. You have to starve it in order to see improvements. The best options are ketoconazole 2% cream or shampoo (don’t be scared to apply it on your face and leave it on for a while), selenium sulphide shampoo (use as a body wash), and zinc pyrithione soap (always check the specific product and its ingredients list). For persistent cases, oral antifungal medications like fluconazole or itraconazole may be prescribed by a dermatologist.
My Top Picks for Skincare
I would like to share with you my skincare. It’s very simple, but extremely effective. In the morning, I cleanse my skin with the Malezia Cleansing Balm. As a toner, I use the Avène Thermal Spring Water, and I immediately follow with The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% and Malezia Moisturiser. This moisturiser is the only one that does not clog my pores and that actually clears my skin. If you are also using a sunscreen, please look for a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. And please make sure it is fungal acne safe.
For my evening routine, I do double cleansing, first with Malezia Cleansing Balm and then with Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo or CeraVe cleanser. I prefer to use the Nizoral shampoo a maximum of 3 times a week, and I always leave it on for about 8-10 minutes. After removing all my makeup, dirt, and oils, I apply either The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% or Malezia Acne Treatment Gel (2.5% micronised benzoyl peroxide). Then I follow with the Malezia moisturiser.
There are three more products that I use: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion Serum (only for the undereyes) and Ziaja Manuka Honey face mask. Be careful not to overdo it and mix different products together. You need to rotate them and make sure not to combine active ingredients that could cause further problems. Here is how my routine looks every week:
| Day | Cleanser | Exfoliant | Active Treatment | Moisturizer | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Malezia Balm | – | Niacinamide | Malezia | Use Avene after cleansing |
| Tuesday | Nizoral + Balm | – | Azelaic Acid | Malezia | Leave Nizoral on for 5–10 mins |
| Wednesday | Malezia Balm | Glycolic | Niacinamide | Malezia | Exfoliate sparingly |
| Thursday | Nizoral + Balm | – | Azelaic Acid | Malezia | |
| Friday | Malezia Balm | – | Niacinamide or Malezia Spot | Malezia | Use spot treatment if needed |
| Saturday | Malezia Balm | – | Azelaic Acid | Malezia | |
| Sunday | Nizoral + Balm | Glycolic | Niacinamide | Malezia |
Always patch test new products and never combine different acids. Make sure to apply sunscreen, because some products increase sun sensitivity. And most importantly, BE PATIENT – your fungal acne can dramatically improve within the first four weeks if you stay consistent.
My Top Picks for Makeup
You will need to test a few makeup products before you find those that are 100% fungal acne safe. Provide nice coverage, stay on throughout the day, leave a beautiful finish and work well with your new skincare.
I’m not really into makeup; in my bag you will find a foundation, concealer, setting powder, mascara, eyebrow products and lip gloss. Please check the https://folliculitisscout.com/ website again for your favourite products. But if you are interested in what I personally use, here is a detailed list:
- Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Setting Powder
- NYX Professional Makeup – Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Contour Concealer
- NYX Professional Makeup – Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Foundation
- e.l.f. Cosmetics – ELF+ Matte Oil-Control Primer
- CatriceNude Drop Tinted Serum Foundation (summer time)
- Child’s Farm – 50+ SPF Sun Cream (Unfragranced)
Adjust Diet and Lifestyle
None of the products above would work if I carried on with my unhealthy diet. You don’t have to give up on your favourite food and become the perfect Pinterest, clean-eating person. For obvious reasons, I cut out dairy (although I go for the cheese board every now and then), sugar and processed food. The goal is to create a perfect balance, clear your guts and give your body what it needs.
My first tip is to reduce yeast-feeding food such as carbs and sugar. A high glycaemic diet will make your fungal acne worse. It’s okay to have a sweet treat or drink sometimes if you balance your gut microbiome and reduce the overgrowth of bad fungi. The best food to add to your diet is probiotic-rich food (plain Greek yoghurt, kimchi, miso). prebiotic fibres (oats, flaxseeds, garlic, leeks, bananas), anti-inflammatory foods and natural antifungals.
I know that, ideally, you should eat clean. But I’m not aiming at my fitness-friendly readers only. Let’s be realistic; most people don’t follow any diet rules. But if you would love to and you are simply confused about what to eat, follow my Pinterest “Danny&Life” for acne-safe food and recipes. And don’t forget to hydrate; it truly matters!
Other crucial changes include showering immediately after excessive sweating, for example, after an active workout; changing pillow cases and towels regularly; wearing loose and breathable clothes; limiting stress; and avoiding over-washing your face. Don’t resist seeking professional help either, especially if the fungal acne persists no matter what you do.
Final Thoughts
Even though I managed to get rid of fungal acne and clear my skin, I continuously learn about this topic. And it’s a good thing to constantly update your knowledge about products that you use or plan to use (companies change ingredients all the time!). When it comes to fungal acne, your patience will be tested time and time again.
But if you remain consistent with your new routine, keep learning about the fungal acne and stay vigilant for any changes, then your skin will reward you. Sometimes I still experience a few bumps, especially when my skin is exposed to humid weather. But from personal experience, I can guarantee that fungal acne is treatable and possible to be put under control.
Share your own experience in the comments below so other readers find the courage, inspiration and knowledge they might seek. You never know what product, supplement or lifestyle change might help someone else!
Frequently Asked Questions About Fungal Acne
How do I know if I have fungal acne or regular acne?
Fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) often looks like small, uniform, itchy bumps, typically on the forehead, chest, or back. Unlike bacterial acne, it doesn’t respond to standard acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. If you’ve been treating “acne” for months with no improvement, and it worsens with sweating or humidity, it might be fungal.
Can a dermatologist misdiagnose fungal acne?
Yes. Many dermatologists initially diagnose it as hormonal or bacterial acne because the symptoms can look very similar. Unless a fungal cause is suspected, a doctor might not prescribe antifungals like ketoconazole or do a proper skin scraping/culture.
What instantly kills fungal acne?
Ketoconazole 2% shampoo (like Nizoral) used as a face and body wash is highly effective. Apply and leave it on for 3–5 minutes, then rinse. Combine this with a fungal-acne-safe skincare routine and avoid ingredients that feed yeast.
What ingredients should I avoid with fungal acne?
Avoid fatty acids, esters, polysorbates, and oils like olive oil, shea butter, coconut oil, isopropyl myristate, and lauric acid. These can feed Malassezia yeast and worsen breakouts.
Can diet affect fungal acne?
Yes. High-sugar and high-carb diets can encourage fungal overgrowth. Reducing sugar, alcohol, and dairy while increasing antifungal foods (like garlic, coconut oil, and probiotics) may improve your skin. Many people see improvement when supporting their gut health.
Is fungal acne contagious?
Fungal acne itself isn’t contagious, but the yeast that causes it (Malassezia) naturally lives on everyone’s skin. Flare-ups happen when the yeast overgrows due to imbalances in oil, humidity, or skin barrier issues, not because it was “caught” from someone else.
How long does it take to clear fungal acne?
With consistent treatment (e.g., antifungal shampoo, proper skincare, diet changes), visible improvement can occur in 2 to 4 weeks. Complete healing may take longer depending on severity and lifestyle factors.
Can I wear makeup with fungal acne?
Yes — but choose fungal-acne-safe makeup. Look for non-comedogenic, oil-free formulas that don’t contain esters or polysorbates. Mineral makeup is usually safer. Always double cleanse and avoid sleeping in makeup.
Can fungal acne come back?
Unfortunately, yes. Fungal acne often recurs if your routine includes yeast-feeding ingredients or if your skin is exposed to heat, sweat, and occlusion often. Maintenance with antifungal treatments (like Nizoral once a week) and a safe routine can help prevent relapses.
