Combat Fungal Acne on Your Back: Must-Have Products for Clear, Healthy Skin

Being acne-prone can be quite a stressful and frustrating experience. While some may think that acne is only limited to the face, the reality is that acne can occur on any part of the body, including the back. One of the worst forms of back acne is fungal acne, which can take time and effort to get rid of.

If left untreated, fungal acne can cause further irritation and inflammation, adding to the discomfort and stress it already causes.

Using typical acne solutions can cause more harm than good, leading to further flare-ups and wasted money. But do not worry; we’ve got some expert-approved treatments that can banish fungal acne for good.

We’ve gathered some of the best products to combat this skin condition and keep your skin clear and radiant. Whether you’re dealing with stubborn breakouts or want to be proactive in preventing them, we’ve got you covered with the right solutions to treat fungal acne.

Best Gentle formula for fungal acne – Almond Clear Face and Body Wash

Solid Face & Body Moisturizing – Avene – Tolerance HYDRA-10 Hydrating Fluid

Best OTC – Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Best Lightweight formula – Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster

Best Exfoliating and acne clearing – Neutrogena Body Clear Oil-Free Body Acne Wash

Fungal acne — also known as Malassezia folliculitis or Pityrosporum folliculitis— is often confused with bacterial acne or hormonal acne, but it’s quite different.

Unlike acne, caused by bacteria, this condition is caused by an overgrowth of a common type of yeast called Malassezia.

This type of yeast usually lives on our skin without causing any harm. Still, when there’s an overgrowth of it due to factors such as humidity, excessive oiliness, or impaired immune functions, it can lead to those pesky pus filled bumps commonly mistaken for regular acne.

Fungal acne is also unique because it’s often accompanied by intense itching and can appear on the back, chest, or trunk. Furthermore, studies suggest that the occurrence of acne caused by this specific yeast is more probable during warmer weather. ^{[1 , 2 ]}

If you’re still wondering why your acne treatments aren’t working, you might be dealing with fungal acne, not regular acne.

So, be careful while choosing your treatments, and use our ingredient checker to help you comb through and inspect your products for ingredients that might exacerbate this skin condition.

Ever wondered why and what causes fungal acne? Just like regular acne, there are various reasons why it might crop up on your skin. Check out some of the most common causes below:

Medications:

Some medications can disrupt the bacterial balance within your body, promoting the growth of fungal acne. As an example, antibiotics (either topical or systemic) can deplete bacteria on your skin, allowing yeast to thrive unchecked.

Fashion Mistakes:

Sporting tight, non-breathable clothing or wearing sweaty workout clothes creates a moist environment where yeast can flourish, leading to unwanted fungal acne.

Genetics:

Some individuals are genetically predisposed to overgrowths of yeast, causing fungal acne to appear more frequently.

Medical conditions:

Diabetes and HIV, among other chronic medical conditions, can weaken the immune system, leaving your skin more susceptible to fungal acne.

So it’s essential to keep an eye on your health and consult a professional if you suspect any underlying medical conditions.

Here are some of the symptoms:

If you’re one of the many people who experience fungal acne, you’re not alone. This common skin condition can be frustrating to deal with, but the good news is that effective fungal acne treatments are available.

The first step is to consult with a board-certified dermatologist. A medical professional can diagnose the condition you are experiencing and suggest a plan for treatment tailored to your specific needs.

Some common topical treatments include topical antifungal medications, oral medications, and lifestyle changes like avoiding certain cosmetics and keeping the affected skin clean and dry.

With the right treatment plan, you can get your fungal acne under control and enjoy clear, healthy skin once again.

When it comes to product selection, there are several important factors to consider in order to ensure that you’re getting the most effective fungal acne treatment possible. Here’s what to look for:

Antifungal ingredients:

This is the most crucial factor when choosing a product for fungal acne. Look for active ingredients such as ketoconazole, pyrithione zinc, or tea tree oil, all effective at treating this yeast infection.

Non-comedogenic:

It’s important that any products you use on your skin don’t clog your pores and make matters worse! So always go for non-comedogenic options that won’t exacerbate acne symptoms.

Gentle yet effective:

It’s important to choose gentle skincare products that effectively combat the fungus without irritating your sensitive skin.

Avoid harsh scrubs or exfoliants and instead choose mild cleansers and moisturizers formulated with soothing ingredients like panthenol, chamomile extract, or mandelic acid.

Oil-free:

As mentioned earlier, Malassezia grows well in oily environments, so it’s crucial to use oil-free skincare products to avoid feeding fungal infection that’s happening in the hair follicles.

Dermatologist-recommended brands:

When in doubt, consult an expert. Opting for dermatologist-recommended brands will give you peace of mind, knowing that they’ve been tested by professionals who understand how these conditions work.

By keeping these factors in mind while shopping around, you can find the best product suited specifically towards combating fungal acne effectively without causing further irritation, leading to clear, healthy-looking skin over time.

Fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) is not contagious in the traditional sense since it is caused by an overgrowth of fungi on the skin rather than a contagious virus or bacteria. ^[5]

It is essential to keep in mind that Malassezia is a natural component of every individual’s skin. Therefore, the idea that this skin condition spreads through skin-to-skin contact may be inaccurate since it is already present on your skin.

However, if you already have fungal acne, please be aware that it can spread through contact with contaminated objects or through self-inoculation to other areas of your body.

As a result, if you touch a place on your skin that has fungal acne and then touch another area where the skin is vulnerable, there is a chance you could spread the infection. This is particularly true if you take antibiotics frequently or have a weakened immune system.

Therefore, it is important to wash your hands carefully or use a fresh towel to avoid transferring the fungus to other parts of your body.

It is also possible to develop fungal acne from using contaminated makeup brushes or sharing personal care items with someone who has fungal acne.

To prevent the spread of fungal acne, it is important to maintain good hygiene practices and avoid sharing towels, clothing, and razors with others.

If you suspect that you have fungal acne, it is best to consult with a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

The time it takes to see results can vary depending on the severity of your condition and how consistently you use the product. It’s best to give them a few weeks before expecting significant improvement.

The condition may return even after successful treatment with topical or oral antifungal medication. However, changing your hygiene routine and using weekly topical solutions such as an antifungal shampoo can help prevent fungal acne from recurring in the future.

All in all, fungal acne doesn’t have to rule your life; plenty of methods exist to manage it.

Additionally, there are several over-the-counter products and prescription medications available online that you can try to help alleviate the itchiness, redness, and overall impairment.

Lastly, if none of those antifungal treatments seem effective, it’s best to consult a dermatologist for advice and treatment plans. Life with fungal acne doesn’t have to be limited or uncomfortable—plenty can be done about it with the proper knowledge and guidance.