Updated: April 2026
Fungal acne can look very similar to regular acne, which is why they are often mistaken for one another. When breakouts do not improve, even when using well-known acne treatments, the underlying cause may be different from typical acne.
Despite the name, fungal acne is not acne in the traditional sense. It is linked to an overgrowth of yeast on the skin rather than clogged pores and bacteria. Because of this, it often requires a different approach to treatment.
This guide looks at what fungal acne is, how to recognise it, and what helps manage and prevent it.
Jump to:
- What Is Fungal Acne?
- Fungal Acne Symptoms
- Fungal Acne Causes
- How to Treat Fungal Acne
- Best Ingredients for Fungal Acne
What Is Fungal Acne?
Fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) is a skin condition caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the hair follicles. This can lead to small, inflamed bumps that often appear in clusters.
Because these breakouts can look very similar to regular acne, it can be difficult to tell them apart — but there are a few key differences to look for.
Fungal acne tends to look more uniform, with bumps that are similar in size and shape. Breakouts often appear in clusters and may feel itchy, which is less common with typical acne.
It’s also more likely to appear in areas where heat and sweat build up, such as the forehead, chest, and back.
Regular acne, on the other hand, is usually more varied. It can include blackheads, whiteheads, and inflamed spots at the same time, with breakouts that differ in size and appearance (see Acne Types Explained).
Fungal acne is also often confused with closed comedones, small clogged pores under the skin. These form from buildup inside the pores, much like regular acne, and are usually not itchy and tend to respond well to exfoliating ingredients.
Fungal Acne Symptoms
Fungal acne tends to have a slightly different “look and feel” compared to regular breakouts.
Common signs include:
- Small, similar-looking bumps
- Itching or irritation
- Clusters of breakouts rather than isolated spots
- Texture that feels more uniform than typical acne
Out of these, itching and uniformity are usually the biggest indicators.
Fungal Acne Causes
Fungal acne is linked to an overgrowth of yeast (Malassezia), which naturally lives on the skin.
This overgrowth can be triggered by things like:
- Heat and humidity
- Sweating (especially if it stays on the skin)
- Occlusive or heavy skincare products
- Wearing tight or non-breathable clothing
- A disrupted skin barrier
It comes down to the environment. When the skin is warm, humid, and enclosed, yeast can grow more easily. For a broader explanation of how breakouts develop, see What Causes Acne.
How to Treat Fungal Acne
Treating fungal acne is less about typical acne ingredients and more about reducing yeast overgrowth.
Often, small changes to your routine can make a big difference. Keeping the skin clean, avoiding letting sweat sit for long periods, and choosing lightweight, non-occlusive products can help create a less favourable environment for yeast. It also helps to avoid layering too many heavy products, as this can trap heat and moisture.
If your skin isn’t improving, antifungal options with ingredients like ketoconazole or zinc can help target yeast more directly.
If there’s still no improvement after a few weeks, or if the breakouts are persistent or spreading, it can be worth seeing a doctor. In those cases, treatment often involves prescription-strength antifungal creams, washes, or sometimes oral medication, depending on how severe it is.
For a more general approach to building an effective routine, see How to Treat Acne: Finding What Works for Your Skin.
Best Ingredients for Fungal Acne (and What to Avoid)
When dealing with fungal acne, it often helps to keep things simple and focus on creating a skin environment that’s less supportive of yeast growth.
Lightweight, non-occlusive products tend to work better than heavy creams or oils, which can trap heat and moisture. Overly complex routines can also make things harder to manage, especially when multiple layers build up on the skin.
Some ingredients can still be helpful for managing fungal acne, even if they don’t directly target yeast.
For example, azelaic acid can help calm inflammation, niacinamide supports the skin barrier and reduces redness, and salicylic acid helps keep pores clear. Together, they can help keep the skin more balanced and create a less favourable environment for fungal acne.
The Bottom Line
Fungal acne can be easy to mistake for regular breakouts, but it behaves differently, which is why the usual treatments don’t always work.
Once you recognise the pattern, small changes to your routine can often make a noticeable difference. And if your skin still isn’t improving, it may be a sign that something more targeted is needed.
More From the Acne Series
Acne: Types, Causes, Treatment & Skincare Routine
Best Ingredients for Acne
Hormonal Acne
Acne and Hyperpigmentation
