Fungal Acne: How To Identify & Fungal Acne Treatment At Home

Fungal acne is often given the wrong treatment at home because it can look like your average, inflamed and oil-clogged acne. However, if you look closely, fungal acne can be spotted in the form of small whiteheads which are roughly the size of a pinpoint. It also mostly occurs on the chest, shoulders, and side of the arms and back; where you might have sweat or dirt accumulated and trapped by your clothing. Also, unlike oily pimples or blemishes, fungal acne can be itchy and irritating, often tuning your skin red. Primarily popping up as small whiteheads in clusters, fungal acne can grow in size and become pus-filled if not treated properly.

One of the best ingredients you can invest in to treat fungal acne at home is tea tree oil . Sourced from the melaleuca alternifolia plant, this nutrient-rich oil is antiseptic and anti-fungal in nature. The compounds present in it are known to kill Malassezia infecting the skin, while being very gentle at the same time making it a great fungal acne treatment.

The best way to use tea tree oil for your fungal acne treatment is to dilute it with a carrier oil (like olive or jojoba oil). All you need is 1-2 drops of tea tree oil mixed with 10-12 drops of carrier oil and a clean applicator like reusable cotton pads. Dab on the mix lightly on the affected area and wait for it to dry. You can also use it as a spot treatment with the help of Q-tips. If you have excessively dry and sensitive skin, make sure to do a patch test on your arm before applying it anywhere on your body.

A simple hack that many dermatologists recommend for fungal acne on the back and chest is an anti-dandruff shampoo! These scalp treatment formulations contain active ingredients like zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole and selenium, which are known to be antifungal in nature. The lathering nature of these shampoos also make them a good body cleanser if your skin is prone to get affected by fungal infections a lot.

The best way to use tea tree oil for your fungal acne treatment is to dilute it with a carrier oil (like olive or jojoba oil). All you need is 1-2 drops of tea tree oil mixed with 10-12 drops of carrier oil and a clean applicator like reusable cotton pads. Dab on the mix lightly on the affected area and wait for it to dry. You can also use it as a spot treatment with the help of Q-tips. If you have excessively dry and sensitive skin, make sure to do a patch test on your arm before applying it anywhere on your body.

Azelaic acid is a by-product of Malassezia itself, making it one of the most effective treatments to help get rid of it as well. It does so by regulating the fatty acid content of your skin. The ideal environment for yeast to thrive on is a moist surface which is rich in fatty acids and oils. Thus, by reducing the fatty acids, the yeast population on your skin can be regulated as well. And given that azelaic acid is gentle and safe for most skin types, it can be used as a long-term solution to keep your skin health in check.

The best way to use azelaic acid is in the form of a serum, preferably a single-use formulation or something with a high azelaic acid content in it. Make sure to be consistent with it and apply a moisturiser on the area to lock the treatment in.

The use of sulphur in skincare has seen a spike in popularity in recent years. This is because this earth mineral is easily available and has shown extreme promise in the treatment of dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema. In the case of fungal acne, sulphur can help by exfoliating dead skin cells and regulating sebum production as it is rich in compounds that are toxic to fungi.

Sulphur is considered a gentle ingredient and can be used in the form of foaming cleansers. Sulphur infused scrubs and soaps can be used on fungal acne-affected areas once a day; do make sure to follow up with a moisturiser as sulphur can be quite drying to your skin.

Salicylic acid is yet another effective ingredient to use for fungal acne. The ingredient is known for its exfoliating properties and unclogging of pores. This can help keep your fungal-acne-prone skin protected from yeast growth and also get rid of patchiness and dullness that might come with it.

There are many ways to use salicylic acid for fungal acne - you can use SA-infused body washes and gel cleansers, spot-treat affected areas or even use your SA serum to treat your skin overnight while you sleep. Salicylic acid can also be drying in nature, so make sure to use a hydrating body lotion to keep dehydrated skin issues at bay.

A. Yes, honey has antimicrobial qualities, while also being intensely moisturising to the skin. As such, it can be used to treat fungal acne at home. Use raw honey to layer infected areas of the skin, keep for about 25-30 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water. Do this once a day for best results.

A. It is important to maintain daily body hygiene to keep fungal acne at bay - shower twice a day during hot and humid weather to avoid buildup of fungi on your skin. Opt for looser-fitting clothes that are made with natural fabrics to let your skin breathe. Also, make sure to change out of sweaty clothes after workouts and shower as soon as possible. Steer clear of processed foods and sugars as they can make the yeast content in your system grow.

A . While apple cider vinegar consists of antimicrobial properties and can work on fungal dandruff, its effects on fungal acne might be next to nothing. This is because of the fact that ACV needs to be diluted to an extreme level to be used on skin, or else it can irritate it.

A. Some home remedies, like diluted apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil, may help, but antifungal creams or medicated shampoos (like ketoconazole) are more effective for lasting results.

A. Yes, a diet high in sugar and carbs can worsen fungal acne by feeding yeast overgrowth. Reducing sugar intake and eating probiotic-rich foods may help balance skin health.