By Delhi Wellness Clinics
20 Jan 2026

Fungal Acne (Malassezia Folliculitis): Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention

Fungal acne, often confused with regular acne breakouts, has to be properly understood and identified to ensure appropriate treatment. It’s a distinct skin condition, triggered by an overgrowth of a yeast/fungus on the skin of most people. Traditional acne treatments usually don’t work for this type of acne.

In this blog, we’ll build your thorough understanding of fungal acne by discussing its symptoms, causes, prevention, and the best fungal acne treatment options in Delhi.

What Is Fungal Acne (Malassezia Folliculitis)?

Fungal acne, medically referred to as Malassezia folliculitis, is a skin condition in which hair follicles become infected with Malassezia, a yeast-like fungus. Though Malassezia normally grows on the skin, its overgrowth causes itchy, uniform, tiny bumps on the skin- the fungal acne. This condition worsens with sweat build-up, humidity, and the wrong choice or use of skincare products.

Fungal Acne Vs Bacterial Acne: Key Differences You Should Know

Features	Fungal Acne (Malassezia Folliculitis)	Bacterial Acne (Acne Vulgaris)
Cause	It’s the result of plugging of hair follicles with overgrown yeast/fungus called Malassezia.	It’s the result of clogging of pores with extra sebum, dead skin cells, dirt, and a bacterium named Cutibacterium acnes.
Characteristics / Appearance	The plugged hair follicles show up as tiny, uniform, red or skin-colored bumps or as whiteheads.	There are varied lesions: black or white comedones, red papules, pustules (pimples), cysts, and nodules.
Sensation	The bumps are often very itchy, especially when the skin is hot or sweaty.	The lesions can be inflammatory or non-inflammatory. Often, they feel sore and tender, sometimes painful.
Areas commonly affected	The condition often develops on the upper arms, chest, back, shoulders, and hairline/forehead.	Most often, the lesions develop in oily or hormone-affected areas like the jawline and cheeks, neck, back, and shoulders.
Effective Treatments	Antifungal medications can only be the solution.	Typical products for acne, like topicals containing benzoyl peroxide, reti-noid, and salicylic acid; antibiotics, comedone extraction, or hormonal therapy, are recommended.

Common Symptoms of Fungal Acne

Suspect fungal acne if experiencing the following symptoms:

Tiny, uniform bumps of red or skin color, or pus-filled, white bumps in clusters in areas with hair follicles
A sudden breakout or rash-like appearance on hot or damp skin
Severe itching along with a burning sensation or discomfort
No blackheads/ open comedones
No relief from standard acne treatments.

What Causes Fungal Acne to Develop?

Fungal acne results from the rapid multiplication of Malassezia yeast, which normally resides on the skin at low levels. When hair follicles become plugged with excess oil, sweat, and dead skin cells, or when the skin's natural balance is disturbed, Malassezia overgrows. The overgrowth leads to infection and subsequent inflammation of the hair follicles- the fungal acne breakout.

The main causative factors or triggers of fungal acne include:

Damage to hair follicles by shaving, waxing, or plucking of unwanted hair
Prolonged exposure to warm, moist conditions
Tight/ non-breathable clothing
Use of occlusives- thick moisturisers or heavy oils
Prolonged use of antibiotics
Weak immunity
Oily skin.

Risk Factors That Increase the Chances of Fungal Acne

Fungal acne mostly affects:

Individuals who reside in hot/warm, humid environments or often use hot tubs/whirlpools
Fitness enthusiasts, athletes, sportspersons, or anyone who frequently sweats a lot and immediately does not take a bath
Individuals who are using broad-spectrum antibiotics or steroids
Individuals who wear tight clothing in hot, moist weather or repeatedly touch or rub their skin
Immunocompromised individuals, like HIV patients
Individuals who repeatedly shave, pluck, or wax unwanted facial or body hair
Individuals who consume more carbohydrates or sugars in their diet
Individuals who have oily skin type, use greasy products, or have conditions that increase the risk of infection of hair follicles.

How do Dermatologists diagnose Fungal Acne?

Only a certified dermatologist accurately identifies fungal acne through:

Checking the response to standard acne treatments
Review of medical records
Laboratory tests, like skin or pus scraping and microscopic examination
Skin biopsy (only if other diagnostic tests are inconclusive)
Visual inspection of the skin and noting of the symptoms (may be with the help of a Wood’s lamp).

Best Treatment Options for Fungal Acne

Fungal acne can be best addressed with prescription oral antifungals, antifungal washes, and antifungal creams/lotions/ointments, along with lifestyle modifications.
Usually, dermatologists prescribe ketoconazole-based products, and when fungal infections are severe or widespread, they recommend pills like fluc-onazole or itrac-onazole. They also recommend zinc pyrith-ione, salicylic acid, or selenium sulfide-containing washes.

Effective Prevention Tips to Stop Fungal Acne from Returning

Some lifestyle adjustments and changes in skincare routine are essential to avoid fungal acne. Here are the dermatologist-recommended preventive measures that everyone must take, especially those who are at high risk of fungal acne:
Be watchful of the skincare products you select. Opt for only water-based, lightweight, gel-based, oil-free, non-comedogenic skincare products. Do not use heavy shea butter, coconut oil, or olive oil on the skin
If you have been exercising or have spent time in hot, moist weather, take a shower often and change into new clothes without delay to make the skin free from sweat and dirt
Wear breathable, moisture-wicking, natural fabrics like cotton or linen in hot and humid weather
Maintain general hygiene to prevent sweat, dirt, and oil build-up and to prevent yeast from damaging the hair follicles
Keep your gut and skin microbiome in balance with a well-balanced diet. Limit or avoid sugary foods/drinks, processed foods, and oily foods
Complete the dermatologist-prescribed treatment course for fungal acne
Use antibiotics and steroids only with a prescription and caution
Avoid harsh or over-exfoliation.

When to See a Dermatologist for Fungal Acne?

The main indicators to consult a skin doctor for fungal acne include:

Constant, intense itching
No clearance of itchy, uniform bumps with standard acne treatments
No improvement was noticeable with over-the-counter treatments
The signs of fungal acne worsen with time, or there are repeated flare-ups
Moderate to severe breakouts of similar-shaped or sized acne.

Managing Fungal Acne for Clear, Healthy Skin

Fungal acne is not a variant of regular acne, but rather a skin condition where hair follicles get infected by Malassezia, a yeast overgrowth. A medical consultation with a certified dermatologist is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Timely creation and execution of the right treatment plan, in combination with the right skincare and healthy lifestyle, will only help make the skin clear and healthy and prevent further flare-ups of fungal acne.

If you suspect fungal acne and need professional treatment, see a leading dermatologist in Delhi at Delhi Wellness Clinic. The dermatologist at the clinic provides treatment for all types of acne and helps people achieve smoother, healthier skin. Contact for details.

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