Got those annoying, itchy bumps that won’t budge no matter what acne treatment you throw at them? You’re probably dealing with fungal acne—and that’s exactly why your usual skincare routine isn’t working.
Here’s how to fix it:
- What it is: Yeast infection in hair follicles (not real acne)
- Key signs: Itchy, uniform bumps on forehead, chest, back
- Why acne products fail: They treat bacteria—not yeast
- Quick fix: Use ketoconazole or selenium sulfide shampoo as body wash 2–3x/week
- See a pro if: It spreads, scars, or doesn’t improve in 4–6 weeks
- Prevent it: Shower after sweating, avoid oils, wear breathable clothes
Stop treating it like acne. Start treating the yeast. Read more for a comprehensive breakdown, product tips, and pro treatments to tackle fungal acne.
Here’s the thing: fungal acne isn’t actually acne. It’s a yeast infection in your hair follicles, which means you need antifungal treatments, not acne products. The good news? Once you know what you’re dealing with, it’s totally treatable.
Is this actually fungal acne you’re dealing with?
Let’s cut to the chase. Here’s how to tell if those bumps are fungal acne:
Dead giveaways:
- They’re incredibly itchy (like, want-to-scratch-your-skin-off itchy)
- All the bumps look basically the same size
- They’re clustered on your chest, back, shoulders, or forehead
- Your acne treatments made them worse, not better
- They showed up after antibiotics, in hot weather, or when you started sweating more
What they look like: Small, red or skin-coloured bumps, maybe with some white heads. No blackheads, no big cysts, no variety in size. Think of a uniform army of tiny, angry bumps.
Where they love to hang out:
- Forehead (often in neat little rows)
- Chest and upper back
- Shoulders and upper arms
- Around your hairline
If this sounds like your skin situation, you’ve found your answer.
Why your acne products aren’t working
Here’s what’s happening: Malassezia yeast lives on everyone’s skin, but sometimes it goes rogue and multiplies like crazy. When it invades your hair follicles, you get these itchy bumps.
Common triggers that set it off:
- Sweating (gym, hot weather, stress sweats)
- Antibiotics (they kill good bacteria, letting yeast take over)
- Heavy, oily skincare products
- Tight, non-breathable clothing
- Hot, humid environments
Why your acne stuff backfires: Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid? Not so effective against yeast. Some acne products even contain ingredients that feed the fungus, making things worse.
What actually works – your action plan
Start with drugstore antifungals
Skip the acne aisle. Head to the dandruff shampoo section instead.
Your new best friends:
- Ketoconazole shampoo (Nizoral): Use as body wash, leave on 5-10 minutes
- Selenium sulfide (Selsun Blue): Stronger option, use 2-3x weekly
- Zinc pyrithione (Head & Shoulders): Gentler choice for sensitive skin
How to use them: Apply to affected areas in the shower, let sit while you wash your hair, then rinse. Start with every other day, then back off to 2-3x weekly once things improve.
When you need professional backup
Sometimes the drugstore approach isn’t enough. Book a consultation with our team if:
- It’s covering large areas of your body
- Home treatments aren’t working after 6 weeks
- You’re getting scarring or dark spots
- It keeps coming back
What we can do that you can’t at home:
For stubborn cases: NeoClear laser treatment zaps inflammation without harsh chemicals—perfect when your skin can’t handle topical antifungals.
For deep cleaning: Our specialized HydraFacials use fungal-safe products to clear out clogged follicles without feeding the yeast.
For leftover redness: Laser Genesis smooths texture and fades red marks left behind by healed bumps.
For persistent spots: Excel V laser targets specific red or brown marks that won’t fade on their own.
Build a fungal-acne-safe routine
Products that won’t make things worse
Safe ingredients to look for:
- Squalane (not squalene—there’s a difference)
- Hyaluronic acid
- Niacinamide
- Zinc oxide
- Urea
Ingredients that feed fungus (avoid these):
- Most oils (coconut, olive, jojoba, etc.)
- Fatty acids (oleic, linoleic, palmitic)
- Certain esters (check ingredient lists)
Quick routine:
- Cleanser: Gentle, non-creamy formula
- Treatment: Antifungal wash 2-3x weekly
- Moisturizer: Lightweight, oil-free gel or serum
- Sunscreen: Zinc oxide-based, not chemical
Lifestyle fixes that actually matter
Sweat management:
- Shower within 30 minutes of working out
- Change out of sweaty clothes immediately
- Use antifungal body wash after gym sessions
Clothing choices:
- Cotton over synthetic fabrics
- Loose-fitting tops, especially for workouts
- Wash workout gear in hot water
What happens if you ignore this?
Don’t let fungal acne stick around. Left untreated, it can lead to:
- Spreading to new areas
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots)
- Textural scarring
- Secondary bacterial infections from scratching
If you’re already dealing with scarring or dark spots, we can help. Infini RF microneedling rebuilds collagen for smoother texture, while our comprehensive acne scar treatments address various types of scarring.
Your most pressing questions answered
How long until I see results?
With the right antifungal treatment, you should see improvement in 2-4 weeks. Complete clearance usually takes 6-8 weeks. If you’re not seeing progress by week 4, it’s time to see a professional.
Can I still wear makeup?
Yes, but choose wisely. Stick to powder foundations, avoid cream products, and look for “fungal acne safe” formulations. Always remove makeup thoroughly before bed.
Will it come back?
It can, especially if you go back to old habits. Many people need to maintain antifungal washes 1-2x weekly long-term. Think of it like dandruff—manageable with the right routine.
Stop guessing, start treating
Fungal acne is frustrating because it masquerades as regular acne while laughing at your skincare routine. But once you know what you’re dealing with, it’s actually easier to treat than traditional acne.
The key is stopping the guesswork. If you’ve been battling persistent, itchy bumps that won’t respond to acne treatments, you likely have your answer.
Ready to get serious about clearing your skin? Our acne specialists can provide a definitive diagnosis and create a treatment plan that actually works for your specific situation.
Don’t waste more time and money on products that aren’t designed for what you’re actually dealing with. Schedule your consultation today and let’s get your skin back on track.