Fungal Acne; What is it and chances are you may have it.
Are you battling persistent tiny, round pimples that lack a white center and seem to appear around your hairline and cheeks? If so, you might be dealing with a skin condition often mistaken for acne – Malassezia folliculitis.
Understanding Malassezia Folliculitis
Malassezia folliculitis, also known as Pityrosporum folliculitis, is a skin disorder caused by an overgrowth of the yeast Malassezia in hair follicles. Unlike traditional acne, which is primarily associated with bacterial infections, Malassezia folliculitis is a fungal issue. It often presents with small, itchy, and round papules that can be mistaken for acne.
Malassezia folliculitis is often mistaken for traditional acne, but the treatment approach needs to be different.
Do you have pimples without a white center?
Maybe they just appear tiny and round.
They might be spread all over your cheeks?
Maybe they are even around your hairline?
Acne caused by Malassezia, is a specific type of acne that results from an overgrowth of the yeast-like fungus Malassezia on the skin. Malassezia is a naturally occurring microorganism found on the skin of most individuals and is usually harmless. However, when it proliferates excessively, it can lead to skin issues, including acne.
Never fear, we have seen Malassezia for years and know exactly how to defeat this common acne “look alike” player.
Malassezia likes to play with others acne most of the time ( he is usually in the mix with Whiteheads) making it harder to identify
Malassezia is a bit sly in that this player has figured out a way around traditional antibiotics when taken too long. (when people have been on topical antibiotics for more than a month or 2)
Misdiagnosis and Misconceptions
One of the reasons Malassezia folliculitis is frequently misdiagnosed as acne is because the symptoms can be quite similar. Both conditions result in skin blemishes, and the small, round appearance of these pimples can easily lead to confusion.
Treatment Strategies
Conventional acne treatments, such as antibiotics and just benzoyl peroxide, are often ineffective against Malassezia folliculitis. In fact, some might experience a worsening of their condition when using these treatments long term, especially topical antibiotics! Antibiotics can kill off the ‘good bacteria’ over time that actual can keep this under control- thereby allowing Malassezia folliculitis to rage out of control. Here’s where a tailored [VS] approach becomes essential:
Hygiene and Lifestyle Changes: Proper skincare and hygiene are vital in managing this condition. Using a gentle, non-comedogenic gel cleanser and avoiding heavy, occlusive products can make a big difference. Malassezia folliculitis likes heavy fatty lotions. Try our hand made sulfur soap!
Antifungal Properties: Sulfur has strong antifungal effects that target the Malassezia yeast responsible for fungal acne. It helps inhibit the growth and proliferation of this fungus on the skin. The perfect place to start. Stop feeding your Acne and start with a clean antifungal cleanser
Apply VS. 5% Mandelic acid in the morning after cleansing. Mandelic acid is effective against fungal acne due to its unique properties:
Antimicrobial Action: Mandelic acid has antimicrobial properties that help inhibit the growth of the fungi responsible for fungal acne (Malassezia yeast). This action helps reduce the fungal load on the skin.
Exfoliation: Mandelic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that gently exfoliates the skin. By removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores, it reduces the likelihood of fungal overgrowth, which thrives in blocked pores.
Oil Control: Mandelic acid helps regulate sebum production. Excessive oil can contribute to fungal acne, so controlling oil levels helps prevent the overgrowth of Malassezia yeast.
Sulfur is effective against fungal acne due to several key properties:
Antifungal Properties: Sulfur has strong antifungal effects that target the Malassezia yeast responsible for fungal acne. It helps inhibit the growth and proliferation of this fungus on the skin.
Oil Control: Sulfur helps absorb excess sebum (oil) on the skin's surface. Since Malassezia yeast thrives in oily environments, reducing oil levels helps to limit fungal growth.
VS Oil Free Moisturizer ( keep oily products away from Malassezia folliculitis -it’s a feast for this type of ‘acne’)
You are now ready to defeat fungal acne with the right products!