If you’ve been dealing with small, itchy breakouts that won’t go away no matter what acne products you try, you might not be fighting the right problem. What looks like regular pimples could actually be fungal acne, also known as fungal folliculitis.
A 2022 study focusing on patients diagnosed with acne vulgaris found that approximately 28.8% of those cases were actually confirmed as Malassezia folliculitis, meaning nearly one in three “acne” breakouts might need antifungal care instead of traditional acne treatments.
This condition can affect anyone but is especially common among people who sweat a lot, use heavy skincare products, or live in warm, humid climates. Fungal acne often shows up on the face, but it can also develop on the chest, back, and shoulders, basically anywhere your skin traps sweat and oil.
What Is Fungal Acne?
Fungal acne happens when Malassezia yeast, a fungus that naturally lives on your skin, grows out of balance. When that yeast overgrows, it causes inflammation in your hair follicles, leading to uniform, itchy red bumps that often appear in clusters.
Unlike bacterial acne, these bumps don’t have whiteheads or blackheads, and they don’t respond to ingredients like benzoyl peroxide. If you’ve been using acne creams and seeing no improvement, it might be fungal folliculitis, not typical acne.
What Causes Fungal Acne
To understand what causes fungal acne, it helps to know what allows yeast to thrive. Several factors can disrupt your skin’s natural balance:
- Excess sweating and humidity create a warm, moist environment that feeds yeast.
- Tight clothing or synthetic fabrics trap heat and moisture against the skin.
- Overuse of antibiotics kills good bacteria that normally keep fungi in check.
- Oily skin or heavy skincare products provide extra fuel for yeast growth.
- A weakened immune system makes your skin more prone to infection.
Knowing what causes fungal acne makes it easier to manage and prevent. Now, let’s talk about how to get rid of fungal acne effectively.
12 Ways to Get Rid of Fungal Acne
Fungal acne can be persistent and usually doesn’t improve with typical acne products. These 12 proven ways show how to get rid of fungal acne and keep your skin clear.
1. Use an Antifungal Cleanser
The first step in learning how to get rid of fungal acne is using the right cleanser. Pick a cleanser with ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione, which work directly against Malassezia yeast. Gently massage it onto the affected areas and let it sit for 2–3 minutes before rinsing. If you notice fungal acne on your face, use the product gently and follow up with a light, non-comedogenic moisturizer. Consistent cleansing helps clear yeast buildup and prevent new flare-ups.
2. Shower Right After Sweating
Sweat and heat make perfect conditions for yeast to grow. Always shower right after workouts or outdoor activities, and avoid sitting in sweaty clothes.
Use a gentle antifungal body wash or shampoo like Nizoral if you’re prone to fungal acne on your back or chest. Pat your skin dry afterward, don’t rub, as friction can worsen inflammation.
3. Wear Breathable Clothing
If you’re constantly wearing tight gym wear or synthetic fabrics, you’re giving yeast a place to thrive. Switch to breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo that allow air to flow.
Loose-fitting clothes reduce trapped moisture and heat, two of the biggest triggers of fungal folliculitis. Make this a habit, especially if you’re active or live in a humid area.
4. Apply Topical Antifungal Creams
Over-the-counter antifungal creams are one of the most direct ways to get rid of fungal acne. Products containing clotrimazole or miconazole work well on both the face and body.
Apply a thin layer once or twice daily on clean, dry skin. Continue even after your bumps fade, since yeast can linger below the surface. For more stubborn cases, a dermatologist might prescribe a stronger antifungal cream to help clear the infection.
5. Consider Oral Antifungal Medication
For persistent or widespread cases, oral antifungal medication can be very effective. Pills like fluconazole or itraconazole treat fungal acne from the inside out.
These medications stop yeast growth systemically and are especially helpful if the infection spreads to the back or shoulders. Always take them under medical supervision and complete the full course for best results.
6. Avoid Heavy, Oily Skincare Products
Many people unknowingly make fungal acne on the face worse by using the wrong skincare products. Yeast feeds on certain oils and fatty acids.
Avoid products with coconut oil, olive oil, or esters like isopropyl myristate. Instead, stick to oil-free, lightweight moisturizers with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin. A clean, minimal skincare routine helps reduce flare-ups and restore balance.
7. Keep Clothes and Bedding Clean
Your bedsheets, pillowcases, and workout clothes collect oil, sweat, and yeast. Wash them regularly in hot water and replace pillowcases every few days.
If you notice fungal acne on your shoulders or back, change gym shirts and towels after every use. Clean surfaces stop yeast from re-spreading to your skin.
8. Try Salicylic Acid or Sulfur Treatments
While antifungal ingredients kill yeast, exfoliating agents like salicylic acid and sulfur help unclog pores and manage oil production.
Apply a cleanser or spot treatment containing these ingredients two to three times per week. They can make your antifungal products work more effectively by removing buildup and preventing new blockages.
9. Be Careful with Antibiotics
Antibiotics can make fungal acne worse when used unnecessarily. They wipe out good bacteria that help control yeast levels.
If your breakouts appeared following antibiotic use, consult your doctor about other treatment options. Balancing your skin’s microbiome is key to preventing recurring fungal folliculitis.
10. Keep Your Skin Dry and Cool
Yeast thrives in moisture. Once you’ve washed, gently pat your skin dry and choose clothing that allows your skin to breathe. You can also use talc-free body powder or antifungal sprays on areas prone to sweating.
Keeping your skin cool helps slow yeast growth and reduce itching. If you’re in a humid environment, using a fan or dehumidifier in your room can help keep your skin dry.
11. Support Your Gut Health
Your internal health affects your skin’s ecosystem. A diet high in sugar, refined carbs, and alcohol encourages yeast overgrowth, both in your gut and on your skin.
To manage fungal acne from the inside, eat more probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, or sauerkraut. Drink plenty of water and cut back on sugary drinks to support your skin’s healing process.
12. Stay Consistent With Maintenance
The truth about how to get rid of fungal acne permanently is that consistency is everything. Even when your skin clears, continue using an antifungal cleanser two to three times weekly.
Maintain good hygiene, manage sweat, and stick to breathable clothing. Fungal acne can return if you stop your routine too soon. Keep it simple and sustainable; your skin will stay balanced longer.
Clear Skin Is About Balance
Fungal acne is easy to mistake for bacterial acne, but once you understand what’s happening on your skin, it becomes much easier to treat. Treating fungal acne isn’t only about eliminating the yeast, it’s about creating conditions that prevent it from thriving.
Small daily habits, from showering after exercise to choosing the right moisturizer, can completely shift how your skin behaves. When you stay consistent, your body naturally restores balance, and your skin clears up for good.
Clear, calm skin starts with awareness, and once you know what to look for, fungal acne becomes entirely manageable.