Overview
Fungal acne, also known as pityrosporum folliculitis, is a skin condition that causes itchy, inflamed pimples or pustules often found on the face, chest, and back. While fungal acne is not typically caused by fungi like other forms of acne, it has been linked to an overgrowth of theMalassezia yeast, which produces fatty acids and other substances that can disrupt the skin's normal balance. This interaction can lead to inflammation and the formation of comedones, which are whiteheads or blackheads.
Risk Factors
Individuals with oily skin are particularly susceptible to developing fungal acne because the oil and grease on the skin can feed theMalassezia yeast and promote its growth. Additionally, using certain skincare products, such as oil-based or fragranced products, can also contribute to worsening the condition.
Treatment
Treating fungal acne typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes and medical interventions. Lifestyle changes may include avoiding triggers like oil-based products, using non-comedogenic skincare products, and managing stress levels. Medical intervene may include medication, such as an antifungal medication or azelaic acid, and skincare products that target the skin's bacterial and yeast balance.
Safe Moisturizers
When selecting a moisturizer to use on a patient with fungal acne, it's important to look for moisturizers that are specifically formulated to hydrate and soothe the skin without promoting further inflammation or worsening existing skin conditions. Here are some things to consider when selecting a moisturizer that is safe for fungal acne-prone skin:
- Form: Find a moisturizer that is water-based or oil-free and avoid products that contain alcohol, oil, or fragrance.
- Exclusions: Check the product label for ingredients that can feed malassezia酵母， such as椰子油、橄榄油、大西洋雪松醇等。同时，避免含有矿物油的保湿产品。
- Antifungal Ingredients: Look for moisturizers that contain antifungal ingredients. While not all moisturizers are safe for fungal acne-prone skin, incorporating into your skincare routine some ingredients that can help control malassezia酵母的生长， such as茶树油、尿囊素(Allantoin)和尿囊酸(Niacinamide)，可能有助于减轻症状。
- Moisturizing Ingredients: Focus on moisturizing ingredients such as透明质酸(Hyaluronic Acid)、甘油(Glycerin)和芦荟提取物(Aloe Vera)。这些成分可以帮助保持皮肤的充足水分并提供舒缓的作用。
- pH Balance: Choose a moisturizer that has a pH that is close to that of the skin, generally ranging from 4.5-5.5之间。
Conclusion
Fungal acne can be a chronic skin condition that requires耐心 and persistence to manage. By selecting appropriate skincare products and adhering to a proper skincare routine that includes gentle cleansing, application of moisturizers, and sometimes medication, it is believed that many cases can be controlled effectively.
