What is Fungal Acne? We Discuss Skincare Treatments, Causes, & More!

I've seen a bunch of people talking about "fungal acne" lately, so I decided to chat with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nina Desai to learn all about it. Turns out, it's actually called malassezia or pityrosporum folliculitis and it's caused by an overgrowth of yeast on the skin. Watch this video to learn what it is, what causes it, and how to treat it with skincare products.
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#DermatologistReactions

[@SusanYara]

Should I do a Dr. Desai approved fungal acne routine?! 🤗

[@LeslieKarinaa]

Susan Yara Yes please! I’ve suffered from “acne” all over my hairline/ forehead and they’re often itchy! Thank you for this helpful video 👏🏼☺️

[@KomalKaur-bx6zs]

Yes please!!!!

[@ebunosayemi1193]

YES PLEASE!!!

[@iqraaimtiaz2673]

YESS!!!

[@laurengarner5140]

OMG YES PLEASE, a part II of this video after all the feedback you’re going to receive would be heaven

[@robynwanjiru2802]

Appreciate your content a lot. But could you also go over skin for darker skin tones as well. Some of us don't get red and it would help if you also highlight how these conditions would present on dark skin tones

[@megabyt3s]

OMMFGGGG YESSSSSSS

[@sensesima]

Absolutely! I suffer from fungal acne now and working on eradicating this.

[@feb4305]

(becomes purple on the forehead and pink/dark pink on lighter parts of the body if anyone's wondering)

[@mattfrye8344]

I use dandruff shampoo as a “cleanser” on my forehead, and it cleared up my forehead in 2-3 days. Definitely give it a try!

[@elenapopovic2527]

Nizoral right?

[@chrissyosozzy6465]

Yes but you cant use it forever its rough on your skin you can switch to fungal acne safe cleanser

[@smm80]

Which one?

[@smallcatbigmeow]

ChrissyOs ozzy exactly! I used dandruff shampoo for a long time and after a while my skin got used to it and it STOPPED working and my fungal acne came back. The only way I finally got rid of it was by switching to a fungal acne safe routine :-)

[@WithAngelWings]

@@smallcatbigmeow would you care to share any fungala acne safe products? i've been doing research for days, especially a mositurier/spf

[@kwhatever5806]

No one: Not a single soul: Susan: *says she'll make a video and ACTUALLY MAKES IT* Other KZbinrs: :0

[@jeremynicholson9795]

My issue with dermatologist is that SOOOOO many of them now rarely treat the skin and far TOO often only offer cosmetic procedures. I'm in Dallas and its rampant. I can't imagine how it is out in LA.

[@Jerkinizdhehabit]

Jeremy Nicholson cosmetic derm is just a growing sub specialty there’s plenty of derms that treat pathologies. You just have to look for that specifically

[@gkehdjdhshdbs353]

I haven’t had this experience with my dermatologist I live in dfw too but I have definitely heard of it

[@xxEmilyBieberxx]

Jeremy Nicholson must be an american thing cuz here in canada they never promote cosmetic treatments they give you prescriptions. but maybe it’s because nobody gets cosmetic treatments anyways like it’s not a thing here. I don’t know a single person with lip injections or botox.

[@Elithia.m]

I went to a derm here in the Central Valley in Cali for alopecia areata and literally within 3 minutes of them just looking at my head, the dr. recommended so many creams and steroid shots. I was so overwhelmed I left and cried. I then found a holistic dermatologist and they recommended I heal my gut in order to heal the outside. Best dr. I’ve ever met.

[@iwuzmadeinspace]

I’ve never experienced this but I’m curious to see if that’s more prominent in private practices compared to dermatology through a hospital (for example: kaiser)...if that makes sense

[@lilybabe1125]

Literally read my mind!!! I been dealing w fungal acne and I don’t know what to do anymore ahhh😫😫😫 ty Susan and Nina!!!!

[@Search4Cherise]

Our largest organ can be so finicky!

[@a.e.metzgar5117]

Oh my gosh, I swear, you must be making videos off of my search history!! I don't know how you keep putting out videos that are exactly what I'm looking for

[@fcrazyniqi]

A. E. Metzgar omg same!!!!!

[@lorsange1107]

KZbin is watching us.

[@diamondinmyeye6160]

All yeasts are fungus. That incorrect statement was painful to anyone aware of basic taxonomy.

[@kailyn7895]

I was thinking the same.. made me cringe 😬

[@arcie02]

I feel you when she said it isn't fungal infection. Yeast is Fungi

[@uniquelee]

That's what I was thinking😅

[@cassia1465]

THANK YOU! I am actually shocked..😂 I am a biologist but still, I expect my doctor to know that yeasts are fungi 🤣

[@bezawitmegra6022]

Thank you! She lost credibility for me after she said that.

[@humbelnessll478]

Too bad all the girl they showed have pretty “clear” skin. Wished they showed more severe cases cause I can’t relate too the pictures even tho I suspect I do have fungal acne

[@madushirajapaksa6036]

Check out ancy twinkles KZbin page. She isn't a derm but she does a thorough video on fungal acne:)

[@ivorianchild770]

Exactly I also hate how she only use pale/white ppl this video is clearly not for brown skin or dark skinned people

[@anne-cathrinejaeger5408]

I went to see a dermatologist for this last week. I believe I got it due to an antibiotic treatment about a year ago that I got for perioral dermatitis. My doctor suggested Nizoral for this new “rash” on my face and chest - and it did make it a little better, but didn’t cure it. My dermatologist did a skin test last week and I’m waiting to hear back. HOWEVER, I ran out of Nizoral last week as well and bought Head and Shoulders on a whim, because I can get it at the supermarket. Turns out I should have done this months ago!! Three showers and hair/face washes in and 80% of my month long, stubborn “rash” has cleared up. I rarely share anything here, but I hope this might help someone else. I am so relieve that my skin is finally looking better again!!!

[@meribethlowe9308]

Head and Shoulders is the very best!!!!

[@claireschick4708]

This sounds very similar to my situation thank you!!

[@alizaema1226]

Anne did you use head and shoulder shampoo on your face ?

[@meribethlowe9308]

@@alizaema1226 Yes. It actually leaves your face quite soft. I never use a moisturizer.

[@kimberlybjrc]

Hello, are you saying the head and shoulders worked better than the nizoral for u?

[@skinsciencebymira]

A yeast is a fungus so its not different though... yeasts are unicellular fungi where mold is multi cellular. So calling it fungal isn’t wrong, it’s just more general when it would be more accurate and specific to say yeast. I was just a little confused because she admits it’s on the fungus kingdom but then says it’s different and not a fungus. Maybe just confusing wording? Loving the rest of the video though. So many people don’t realize they have this and then feel frustrated when the typical acne treatments don’t help Edit: love that hormonal acne is also brought up. Without a derm or medical provider, people just may not know and ask for acne suggestions not knowing that there’s other possible issues that could be occurring and need to be ruled out if traditional treatments aren’t helping

[@talacocheta9001]

A good derm or medical provider, that is. My derm said that sugar couldn't possibly be causing my acne, and he never checked my hormones. Turns out, I had Candidas - yeast overgrowth - so yes, eating sugar made it worse, and then I have PCOS which causes hormone disruption. No wonder he never helped me clear my skin!

[@sonalibatta1373]

It is either a yeast or fungus depending on temperature.

[@christinaincolour]

This is the best video on fungal acne I've ever watched. Fungal acne is the worst. I had great skin before I moved to Japan two years ago from Canada, and the water composition along with the extremely hot and humid climate completely wrecked my skin. Within 6 months, my skin became speckled with tiny red dots all over my chest, shoulders and back. The bumps were painful, deep and hard to treat with OTC medicine. All my skincare products made me break out. I'd never experienced anything like it before. I didn't know what was the cause, and the Japanese derms I met just gave me antibiotics and sent me home. It made everything worse. So I did my own research and found out about FA, cut out sugar and processed foods, started eating plant-based, ordered Nizoral 2% cream and shampoo online, and installed a shower filter. It helped a lot and my acne breakouts are still happening, but are less frequent now. Unfortunately, now my upper arms, shoulders and back are filled with unsightly PIH, and wearing v-necks and tank tops is no longer an option for me. Thank you for shedding light on an often misdiagnosed and terribly frustrating and discouraging skin condition.

[@PK-mx7nf]

You could try low carb. I assume you eat a lot of rice, being in Japan?

[@ceciliatanaka2180]

They should of talked about ingredients that are going to trigger fungal acne. Most oils and many ingredients which are normally good for ur skin can trigger it!!

[@ladybuglindas]

Fiona, what was you trigger ingredient?

[@kelseystaberg921]

@Fiona What was the product you used to treat it? And what is otherwise in your skincare routine?

[@whitneya7578]

Yes I wish they mentioned that! I started doing research and found out my foundation and cleanser had common fungal acne triggers. I started using Vanicream cleanser and ditched my liquid foundation for bare minerals. Fungal acne is now completely gone!

[@Mariana-em6yj]

Check out Liah Yoo. She has a video talking about that, plus she shares really useuful information.

[@LalloMama]

Yes absolutely. I have a short video on my channel about how I got rid of my bumps from fungal acne if anyone needs help. I mentioned how everything I was using was making it worse for years I had no idea. Moisturizers. Makeup. Etc. it’s really important to know what you can’t use.

[@ironrose01]

OMG! I have fungle acne everywhere and it's so frustrating. I see a dermatologist for it but I am still dealing with chronic breakouts since I was a 12.

[@Maya-pe6hh]

I loved this video but would have been nice to see the acne on different skin tones/darker shades. We're all very used to seeing how skin conditions/acne etc present on white skin and it would be useful to see some darker skin examples!

[@hellooothere123]

It's a serious problem...unfair.

[@geralaham412]

Is Susan my FBI agent now? How the heck does she know I’ve been googling everything about F.A for the past few days? Queen of timing, love you Susan ! ❤️❤️

[@naiah1450]

I'm not sure if you have done a video on Cystic acne, but if you have not can you please make one with Dr. Nina Desai!! A video just like this, with different pictures and sharing all this knowledge! Maybe a video on dermatitis or the different types of dermatitis that exist. Regardless, a great video!

[@michaelaf6580]

N 👍👍

[@leeliya9397]

I just want my face be clear without little bump!!! Including on my chest and back🙁☹️

[@allisoncash93]

I’ve had yeast buildup on my back for years. I’ve seen dermatologists and taken pills from time to time. To keep it somewhat clear I just use dandruff shampoo on my back and antifungal cream on the spots. I have it year round but it tends to be worse in the summer. I definitely have to maintain it. If I don’t constantly put on the cream and use the shampoo weekly, it gets worse and multiplies. It’s never gone away completely for a long period of time.

[@darby1836]

Allison cash i struggled with it on my face. I found aloe vera helps. I use natural aloe vera after soaking it and just rub it into my skin and leave it because it doesn’t bother me. For me, it worked better (than dandruff shampoo or cream) at keeping the flare up away for longer. Good luck!

[@ginchoo8084]

I have exactly the same bumps over my chest and back! I used to use acne products but never worked! Now I know why! Mystery solved!!! Wow! Thank you Susan and Dr Nina! This is awesome help!!!!

[@drama2queen4]

I have a similar yeast-based condition, seborrheic dermatitis, or seb derm for short. Basically dandruff that I can get on my face. I wish that it was talked about or came up more, because it can be terribly frustrating to deal with and it seems so few people talk about it. Certainly some of the tips for treatment in this video are helpful, I was just waiting to see if seb derm would be brought up too.

[@sharroon7574]

I know this sounds a little hokie but do people who do a candida cleanse get relief from this condition?

[@reneehome7365]

yep, I get this too and would love some advice! does it get treated the same? I was given prescription dandruff shampoo but have had no relief

[@jalyntaylor7609]

Renee Home I have a sulfur based cleanser from my dermatologist. I use it once a day to keep the seb derm away.

[@aurora-ox2xf]

@@reneehome7365 there is a cleanser from avené that has piroctone olamine in it. That also helps with sd.

[@jaymmxii7332]

Nizoral shampoo was the only thing to help my seborrheic dermatitis on my scalp. When I get a flare up of my face I will use a little of that shampoo on the spot for a few days and it works.

[@ariniastari7668]

I solve my fungal acne by washing my face with Head & Shoulder. Cause it contain Zinc Phyrithone that can reduce the growth of fungi, Malasezzia is the same fungi which causes dandruff. And it works, my fungal acne stop build up and heals over time.

[@leeannwarren8456]

Herpes can be treated and cured permanently but only few believe it,, but I was among those who never believed it until doctor Agbonifo cured me of herpes, I had HSV for two years and it was eating me up one day I found a testimony of someone testifying to the great work of Dr Agbonifo who cured him of HPV, I was thinking since this man can cure HPV then he must be able to cure me of my virus too and to my greatest surprise he really cured me of Herpes, I only message him on email ([e-mail]) and he replied me and we discussed then he sent me the medicine and today am herpes free...you can call/WhatsApp him on mobile [phone]. All thanks to you Dr Agbonifo the great herbalist..

[@carissabreanne3306]

Ooo I’ll try that. I’m trying sulfur masks and Salicylic acid spot treatment. Mine all over my face.

[@biellaspointofview2054]

Thanks to your comment, I used it and mine is gone after 3 days :)

[@ariniastari7668]

@@biellaspointofview2054 Happy to hear that. Hopefully your malassezia don't relapse again

[@shweta4309]

Did you wash your face with head and shoulders daily?

[@zzplantlover]

As a front line health provider, I would really LOVE a video about the skin changes/acne that is caused from wearing a mask all day!!! I find that after removing my mask, my skin is tingly and weird. Should I be using different treatments? Cleansing?

[@sharonajodhia5586]

Caroline Hirons did a Instagram Live about this and mentions products that you can use. All the Insta Lives are saved on her channel.

[@KCDCd]

Ah, I can not thank you both enough for this, because I have seen such mixed opinions about "fungal acne" and it's existence. I suffered most likely of this, because after my very strange acne was treated topically as a yeast infection, it went away. Mine was caused by a primer and of course I kept trying to hide it even more and it ended up covering half of the left side of my face, before I got the topical lotion for it and tossed the primer and a lot of other things out of my routine. Man, was it itchy though! And dry and moist at the same time! Such a strange combination.. So, when people started to say that this "fungal acne thing" isn't a real thing, I started to question it as well, but now, all doubt has been tossed out of the window :D Can also vouch for the fact that it can try to come back, then I just use the topical lotion on it and poof, gone! Thank you SO MUCH for this video and all the information about it ^^ Hope it helps others in the future too ^^

[@Elithia.m]

I wish they talked about HOW or WHY people get a yeast build up. I suspect it’s from consuming too much processed/refined sugar ? I may be wrong though.

[@teamene9034]

She repeatedly mentioned sweat, hot weather and beach goers!

[@talacocheta9001]

For Candidas, yes, it's eating too much sugar. For me, it's also drinking milk and eating too much dairy. It happened to me because I was given so many antibiotics as a child - and by my dermatologist - so it caused yeast overgrowth.

[@amorabami920]

Talacocheta i have the exact same, plus Asthma with antibiotics in it. :( I don't know what to do. I'm hopeless

[@lisenormann4102]

@@teamene9034 I live in a cold climate, and my fungal acne actually clears up during the summer..

[@ladylaurenia]

Talacocheta how do you treat it besides diet?

[@Gronola]

I got fungal acne last sem. Had a strong skincare routine but nothing got rid of it. Consulted with my Curology specialist and they suggested the Noble Formula Zinc bar soap. Was skeptical at first considering I never use bar soap on my face but voila! My fungal acne was gone in about a week. Still use the soap today since it seems to work well as a general cleanser.

[@daymartinez4648]

Did you have it on your forehead?

[@angeliaregina]

can noble formula soap help

[@theudopantograph]

I suffered from this last July when I visited Marfa. Everything they’re saying is true, I’ve never had any skin problems or seen anything like it, even my doctor was shook. She looked at it under a blue light and prescribed oral Terbinafine 250mg which made it much worse. Then she prescribed oral fluconazole 150mg and I personally completely cut out artificial sugars and alcohol, that’s the only thing that healed it. It took a whooping 6 months to figure out and treatment. I would say this, if you experience any skin problems that isn’t improving with over the counter stuff, GO SEE YOUR DOC OR DERM. I couldn’t see a derm because the waitlist was 4 months long, so my doctors had to call her friend for help. This happened on my face, right next and close to my left eye, started pea sized and expanded to about a peach size, it’s that serious 😭

[@Kaibigan39]

Nice job! Sugar, alcohol (which converts to sugar in the body), and refined carbs (same) interact with yeast and can cause overgrowth in our body. Cutting those out can help a lot!

[@mjdxn1491]

Literally just got diagnosed with this 3months ago.

[@MrLou061]

MJ Dxn I did 2 days ago! Hope you are doing ok x

[@thidoan7532]

What do you use to make it better?

[@anarozee]

guys, look for products that contain Zinc pyrithione and Climbazole. i've struggled with it for years until i started using a body wash plus spray with both ingredients, and in 2 weeks i had clear chest and shoulders. whoever reads this i hope it will help you too 🙏

[@monique7885]

I have fungal acne. My derm prescribed me tretinoin, clindamycin, and the ketoconazole shampoo. I also use cerve foaming wash. This regimen works so well for me and cleared my skin

[@0nlyN01]

Omg finally someone made a video about it. I had such bad fungal acne from seborrheic dermatitis!! Thanks so much!

[@monicai0713]

OMG this was so informative I love the inclusion of the pictures so that the dermatologist can really explain what the acne is and looks like based on the picture because I have been struggling with trying to identify what my acne is just like these ladies

[@sertasheeps]

I've been too 3 non private derms here in Montreal and all of them give me a 2 minute talk about acne and really obvious answers and send me packing. It seems to me that cosmetic skin problems are not a concern and they really don't care unless its a dangerous condition. I would love to have a knowledgeable dermatologist like you!

[@mlokrongly09]

I had this for years after my first period (I’m 33 now). I tried everything over the counter. I finally nipped it in the bud this year when I started using an at home PMD regularly and PTR’s Niacinamide treatment. It only took about 2 weeks of consistent use to completely clear up the fungal acne on my forehead. I see why it happened now.. I used to use a beauty oil to hydrate under my cream am/pm and I get hot/sweaty on my forehead first very easily. It wasn’t just about washing my face.. I was doing more harm than good! Loved the video ❤️

[@VR-fs1lo]

Another thing that my doctor has said is that with these fungal/yeast outbreaks, high sugar and carb intake feeds it. So if we’re not eating good, healthy food we tend to experience this more often. Yeast feeds on sugar and high carbohydrates.

[@HaNa-eq1uy]

I wish they analysed a black person's skin. We don't tend to get clear color irritation like redness so it's hard to figure out what we have

[@fion8071]

Dr. Nina is so beautiful

[@Nanapoo]

Everyone had cystic acne, now everyone has fungal acne lol

[@snapdragon2441]

ña na actually some people have both and it can devastate your self esteem so please be careful with your comments, thank you xx

[@RPALMS28]

I have both. It’s been difficult.

[@RPALMS28]

pre taetoe thanks dude 😉

[@Miraeshi]

RPALMS28 I luckily don’t have cystic, usually just hormonal or bacterial, but I have the fungal acne so bad on my chest and it made me feel so much better to finally know what it is because I had no idea for so long. My chest looks like that girls in the picture. I can’t wait to start treating it

[@louisratatoulielinson]

Its not just lol or a joke ive tried 29 products already non of them work

[@desitananlohy279]

FINALLY!!!! I've been waiting for this video for sooo long 😭

[@purpleangie7176]

For My Asian Fams Here are some East Asian Brands that have SOME FA safe products: Etude House Cosrx Benton Isntree Hada Labo Senka Anessa The Ordinary ( There are Korean versions but still the same brand and formulation from the US )

[@M4tchStickGirl]

I’ve had it spread all over my face in the last month, after wearing a mask everyday during the pandemic lockdown. 😭 I left dandruff shampoo on as a mask for 3 hours and it finally went down.

[@Celine-fj3li]

I would loooove a hoe to treat keratosis pilaris video! Been struggling with it on my body and the face as well!

[@PeriWinkle33957]

Céline I bought my daughter Alpha Skin Care Renewal Body Lotion with 12% Glycolic AHA and for the first time ever we got rid of the KP bumps on her arms. It works! She has not used it on her face though. I purchased it on Amazon. The 12 ounce bottle was $17.99. Another lotion I’ve heard is good, but have not tried is First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub with 10% AHA. It’s 8 ounces for $28.00. I actually went to purchase this at Ulta and they were out so I tried to order it from First Aid Beauty online and it was out of stock too so I started researching and found the Alpha which is actually more economical. Good luck!

[@sangamswathy5795]

Omg....I can't believe a FA video from Susan.... I've just commented on one of your Instagram posts recently and Boom!!! Thanks much Susan! Looking forward for product recommendations especially the retinol!

[@lorelaimercy848]

I have this. I use the prescription version of the shampoo on my scalp for the hairline and on my body just as she said. Have for years. It does recur. It gets worst on my chest and some on my back. It sucks when it gets bad because it looks like absolute hell. The shampoo is what keeps it in check...

[@bellabysuzanne]

Such a great video! super informative! No offense but I hate going to dermatologists because not all are great at what they do in the sense of actually helping ppl with their skin. Many times they just give a prescription and send me on my way. They never really tried to understand what I was experiencing, never shared their knowledge, never broke it down to me except for one. So this meant a lot to watch from the medical side and as an aesthetician as well as someone who dealt with (and still do) body acne, this really helped clarify some things and guid my research. Love it! More please!

[@michellemccaffery4306]

I never had acne in my life until I moved to Florida. I battled this for over 10 yrs, I spent so much money on shampoo, makeup, soap and Doctors appts. I had a ovarian cysts and had to go to OBGYN and she told me I had a little yeast infection as well. I got a 1x dose of fluconazole and my acne went away. It didn't dawn on me that it was yeast, I thought maybe it was the cystic. I started researching yeast acne and as a nurse, I can get pretty deep in research. I finally got my Doctor to give me a script for the fluconazole for when it flares up and I only have it randomly during periods. My skin would burn when I sweat, I don't use products in my hair, I try to use as much as possible less chemical shampoo and conditioner. I try not to use a lot of unnecessary products. I used benzoyl/clindamycin cream, ret-A and antibiotics and it made it worse.

[@stefan2005stefan]

She was a fun girl from Hackney By the time she cured her fungal acne She was 53 ,her rack was to her knee She drank lemon tea And vis-a-vis what you said it be

[@vanessarivera8300]

Thank you!! I’ve been waiting for a skincare video for malassezia 🙋🏻‍♀️

[@ruby319able]

I make an applecider (with the mother) face toner that has helped so much. I also use tea tree oils (use with caution) when I get a deep clogged pimple - it helps real quick. I have been using cerave fragrance free face washed and retinol products. I cant wait to try the shampoos! Thank you ladies for sharing!

[@lisahonda5612]

THIS WAS SUCH AN AMAZING VIDEO! -- absolutely loved this! I have been suffering from acne for years and it just is killerrrrrr 🙏😁 I do have Ketoconazole for my scalp but never thought I could use it to see if it would clear out my stubborn chest acne 😱! never knew of 'fungal acne' before!

[@robeyhines8149]

I suspect that I had a fungal internal reaction to Flagyl (antibiotic) I was taking for an intestinal bacteria infection I had over the summer (it was a miserable time - going from dehydration and exhaustion to a huge fungal looking cyst). I documented the whole progression of it with photos and videos, and the antibiotic was the only change in my routine I had going on (super high dosage that often hurt my stomach immensely). It essentially had two heads and grew over an area where a cyst used to be (it turned into a calcified lump under my skin over years, and it got bigger until it became inflamed/painful. It looked like the base of the cyst had two heads and the area around it where the swelling was red, inflamed, and had veins going through it. It could've just been a cyst, but it was so abnormal and right in the center of my face. Not to mention that I shortly after developed yet *another* bacterial skin infection of impetigo - due to my dorm bathroom not being properly cleaned before I moved in and I had unknowingly touched mold/transferred the infection all over my face, and even on my eyelid (to the point where it crusted and I could hardly open my eye). I was *not* looking pretty at that time, and was dealing with a lot of confusion and frustration because I had no idea what was wrong with me. And this was all just in the first month of my junior year!

[@reneeleese]

Robey Hines omg.... I hope you’re doing better. That would traumatize me

[@jd5105]

why does every moisturiser contain glycerin? that feeds fungal acne right?

[@JamieModelvsDirector]

Wow I’ve never heard of this but saw the thumbnail and it looks like my skin I’ve tried so many things and no wonder no matter what I try is working 😞 ThanK You!!!

[@mnchk28]

Thank you for this video...I started "breaking out" and getting itchy on my chest area and I figured it had to do with sweat and heat. Very informative and helpful . I'm gonna try the dandruff shampoo on my chest

[@martinaring-bartol3464]

My concern is: Is "fungal acne" contagious? Can you give it to someone living in the same household - maybe by kissing your partner or accidentally using the same towel? How careful do we need to be? Thank you!

[@robindillon2133]

i’ve had this severely for multiple years and i’ve had a couple long term partners and i share things with my family frequently, no one has ever devolved the same issue. i’ve never heard of any form of acne being contagious. same thing as people will regular acne, it’s not contagious.

[@laurenalexisvina]

Yeah unfortunately fungus is quite contagious. Ive done some research about this bc My partner has fungal skin issues like back fungal acne and scalp fungus. Which inevitably affected my skin slightly. I just get him to use anti fungal soaps in the shower (trial and error, have to find what works for you) and change our bedding and towels frequently.

[@PK-mx7nf]

Nah, it's a fungus that lives on everyone's skin. Just for some people, the skin flora is off balance and then the fungus takes over and creates problems. It is not contagious, since everyone has this fungus on their skin. A healthy individual has the fungus in check, by having a good skin flora :)

[@saralik3871]

Thanks, convinced me that i had it. Was unsure before. Back, chest, coming around to stomach, face. Recent started doxycycline and retin-a, hopefully it becomes more manageable.

[@NYC1025]

Your journalism really shines through in this video. Great questions!!!

[@patriciadioknoia8822]

Omg so that’s what this is called 🤦🏼‍♀️ I always thought acne on the body is just different from that which you get on the face. I have a lot on my back and shoulders. The ones on my shoulders are VERY itchy. It’s actually been bothering me because my face has already almost completely cleared out but my shoulder has not gotten better at all.

[@akl8806]

YASSSSSSS! Ugh I miss this, love learning from the both of you.

[@fongchoong8276]

I've had em on my back and chest area where the collar of my tshirt usually sits. Its itchy scaly n bumpy. Used dandruff shampoo for 1 week and it resolved. As mentioned, you do need to have maintenance cos it's hot n sweaty where I come from. it does come back on n off. But in a much lesser surface area and that's how I know I gotta go grab the dandruff shampoo. And yes, the skin does feel dry after dandruff shampoo so best to apply a thin layer of lotion over it. I have dermatitis too so it's like a never ending circle of care n prevention. Thank you for the video Susan, it's good information.

[@chicky875]

i was diagnosed with this a few years ago. i have it on mostly my arms but also on my face, thighs, chest, and back as well. my derm recommended hibiclens as a wash for my body once or twice a week but told me that if i got laser hair removal it would go away completely. i asked about how much it would cost and she said $400-$500 per treatment of a medium sized area (and that i would probably qualify as a large area) and that i would need 4-5 treatments to get rid of all the hair. 😩😭 i have been suffering ever since. hibiclens calms it down a lot but not completely and it always comes back full force for me. i do think she mentioned the oral anti fungal medication but really pushed laser hair removal as my best treatment option. however i simply can’t afford it. i will try the other methods mentioned in this video though! thank you for all the info on this!

[@StoryOfThisGirlxx]

Chelsea Hi thanks for sharing this. If I may ask why did your derm recommend hair laser removal? Did he or she explain how exactly the procedure gets rid of it?

[@nishaSharma-wu2xy]

And please ask 🙏what should we avoid in diet /food wise? And what to intake more to avoid overgrowth of fungus like some" Health tips". So we all will get knowledge on skincare routine as well as health care tips .

[@ferballll]

wow thanks to this video I’m clearing up what I always thought was just stubborn texture, it was fungal acne this entire time. I used the shampoo ONCE and my face already looks so much smoother. Thank you guys ❤️

[@je9539]

Which shampoo did you use? 💜

[@saram823]

I have this! It took me YEARS to figure out what it was! (Thanks Google!!) I found a super weird treatment of using medicated Nizoral shampoo. Applying to the areas like a mask. Let me tell you, this works! I always get this when I workout more or am more active, even washing my face right after didn’t help...but this shampoo trick does!

[@user-fm5zy5yw8h]

can you tell us exactly how you use it please

[@saram823]

S After washing my face with my normal cleanser, I wait till my face is less damp and then apply it to the areas I have the yeast acne. If it runs into your eyes, it BURNS, so that’s why I don’t want my face to be damp, also it helps it stay in place. I leave it on for 5 minutes and then wash off. It does dry out the skin so a good moisturizer is a must!

[@sierratowns1336]

@@saram823 what moisturizer do you use ?! ive been struggling to find one

[@jeaniecheeks]

I'm currently suffering from this and it's really a pain. I have naturally oily skin and I workout 4-5 times a week so the sweating makes it a great environment for yeast growth. I've taken oral fluconazole as well as another pill that I don't remember the name of. It worked and I was sooo happy when it went away until it came back just as bad 1 week later. I've been dealing with this for 3 months now and at this point I feel like it's just a apart of my life. It's mostly gone but I'm putting 2 creams on 1-2 times a day as well as washing myself 1-2 times a day with a ketoconazole wash. I think it mostly comes in waves near my period. It'll get really intense on my chest and sometimes my neck/back and then it'll almost completely disappear. Overall I'm just frustrated.

[@Nelliebellieswe]

Finally!! I am so happy about this, thank you for the tips and thank you for this video ❤️

[@VinceLevi]

Thanks for finally discussing fungal acne ♥

[@ReynalRNair]

I think I’ve got “fungal acne” all over my back and parts of my shoulder.

[@madoodlesalagappan9913]

Same! I have had it for around 2-3 years now though :(

[@sizzrizz6074]

Same I have it on my back , shoulders, arm , some on the chest . And usual acne on my face , some on the neck (I'm 17 btw) 😭 I definitely need to go to a dermatologist but this pandemic is stopping me .😭

[@jacxam7555]

I had really bad fungal acne after getting my wisdom teeth removed 1 year ago and taking all the antibiotics. It was terrible because I was getting married and could not figure out what was making my skin “break out”. TMI but it took a yeast infection (that i had acquired at the same time 😭) for my doctor to tell me “oh I see you also have it on your forehead.” She saved me. ♥️ Im still treating it to this day. The antibiotic concoction really messed up my body.

[@self_lovecare]

Did you rid of

[@bala1385]

Wow, love to see you back Dr Nina desai ❤️. I was waiting for this video

[@CindyPOfficial]

Missha first treatment helped my forehead’s fungal acne. Ever since I’ve been using it, I no longer have forehead fungal acne.

[@menotyou8830]

That’s super interesting since it’s typically high on the no use list since ferments tend to feed the yeast but some believe the ferment in missha (sacc...something) won’t affect fa

[@cdk8187]

Hey, I think it would be really good if you did a video on what serums can't be mixed

[@ipadhye]

Could you describe the difference between salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide - in terms of treating acne?

[@christinegabriela4277]

As I know benzoyl peroxide is more potent and only used for acne prone skin, it should not be used all over the face only for spot treatments -> "beauty within" have a video about it

[@elenapopovic2527]

Benzoyl is antibacterial and its specifically effective against p.acnes bacteria (and because the fungal acne is not caused by that, benzoyl probably wouldnt help). Salicylic is an exfoliant which is attracted to oil, so it dissolves clogged pores and surface oil. It also has mild anti-irritant properties. It CAN help malasezzia because of its oil control. The other differences, benzoyl attacks all the bacteria it can in the span of 10min, so it's best to use as a mask and then wash off. After about 10min it just continues to irritate skin. Whereas salicylic can be a great leave on for all day.

[@smileforhiba]

Hey Susan! Thank you so much for making this video and I would like for you to keep inviting Dermatologists to discuss skin concerns. I have a VIDEO REQUEST: Can you please make a video on Follicular Macular Atrophy on the back and chest? A lot of people have it but dont know what to do with themselves ... the skin becomes spotty (white polka dots) even if you dont have acne. its like white dotted scars if i want to describe it and it doesnt go away ... My sister and I started developing these white dots and the dermatologists here in my country gave us no solution. I also did my research online and I still have not found a treatment for it. I would love to hear some advise from you and dermatologists from your country

[@vianeygarcia9818]

I say I have textured skin were a have alot of bumps all over my face mostly my chin for head and cheeks and I can't pop the bunosms there like under my skin

[@nadanajioullah9090]

The only thing I know is that Ive had 281018 small bumps on my face for like years and I tried everything after seeing dermatologists and estheticians. I don’t know what it is but I’m TIRED of them 😩

[@jaymmxii7332]

I got fungal acne on my forehead after using The Ordinary serums.

[@linzeden]

I didn't know this was a thing until this video and now after two dandruff shampoo treatments the bumps around my mouth that have been there for 6 months are disappearing!!!

[@smm80]

Which kind of shampoo did you use?

[@linzeden]

@@smm80 Nizoral

[@AMANDA-jv8fz]

This is the best video ever thank you both for doing this. I have been struggling with this for so long. And I've heard many saying the same in the facebook group.

[@MariellaRivera]

Please haaalp my skin is so upset with wearing masks frequently throughout the week 😭 how do I stop the breakouts

[@ausrinekuzaite6682]

try to use cotton based masks that you can wash in 60C or one time masks and change them every 6 hours or more frequent :) without this step nothing else will help.

[@semirelatablesarah]

Labmuffinbeautyscience did a whole video on this ! Maybe it could help you.

[@victornunes989]

So, I'm going to run to the supermarket right now, get some head and shoulders to wash my back and shoulders!

[@Megan43210]

We need a makeup routine video Susan! I need to know what tool you apply your makeup with

[@t.h.1492]

I appreciate Susan SOOO much for showing pictures! That’s very helpful! Just a small suggestion, if we can have pictures with other skin tones, especially darker ones, as a reference for us darker skinned folks. That would make it even better!

[@mikaylabalaban1240]

I get this on my chest, forehead and upper back ✌️😗

[@guadalupealonso2894]

Have you found a way to fix it?

[@Bigheartrolling]

I had no idea this is what I have on my chest. Thank you!

[@MiniGiraffeIggy]

Last time I went to a dermatologist she prescribed me a 0.10% retin-a and told me to put it on every night and it wrecked my skin. Upon some research I see people usually get .05 or .01 and they start off using it once or twice a weak and slowly build up to every night over a period of MONTHS so that they’re skin doesn’t peel off in chunks and get dry. 🥺 so I dunno she’s the doctor but no matter how much moisturizer I used my skin would be flaky, peel and itch. I couldn’t wear makeup for months.

[@Sund00d]

Shenini I went through this when my doctor gave me epiduo (which isn’t even a proper retinol like the one I’m on now) and just said put it on every day and my skin went INSANE. It was so flakey and cracked I looked like a crocodile and even had to sit down a few times with tweezers and a mirror and peel off chunks of skin piece by piece cos even exfoliating couldn’t remove all the dead skin 😣😣😷 makeup wouldn’t sit on my skin either it really is the worst

[@MiniGiraffeIggy]

Sunday for real! I even tried diluting it with moisturizer too but still! I probably should have went back to her for a weaker prescription or I should have went to another dermatologist for a second opinion. Might do that when we can all go back outside!

[@ratiekate]

Candida overgrowth. Seek the root cause, and heal. Then the symptoms go away. Candida overgrowth causes a slew of problems. Yeasts/fundi overgrowth on the skin being one.

[@baileechism6748]

Is it true some ingredients in skincare can cause fungal acne? Also what’s a reliable website to look up what certain ingredients do?

[@HopeeInk]

omg Dr.Desai's kids are so gorgeous !

[@Fernandanatac]

I had this on my arms! It was very weird because I’ve recently ended my acne (mostly on my back and shoulders) treatment with a prescription drug so I wasn’t supposed to have anymore acne in my body. Yet, there it was, on my arms. But it was different than my old acne, it was lots of tiny little bumps... Coincidentally I got one ringworm on my arm as well so I got a cetoconazol ointment to treat it... since I have heard of fungal acne I decided to apply the cetoconazol ointment on the “acne” as well... and then poof! The “acne” was gone! I felt like a total Sherlock for discovering what it was and how to treat it based only in intuition 😂

[@benjaminnhlam2867]

I think the one point missing is to try to minimise oil (plant oils, squalane) because pityrosporum can thrive on oil 😬

[@vanessa-ul7nj]

Benjamin NH Lam squalane is one of the only oils that is fungal acne safe. Pityrosporum folliculitis does not thrive on it

[@krithikashelvarajen1263]

Please do a skincare reaction video for ageing skin & collaboration video with James Welsh & Gothamista

[@MichelleAntico1]

This was sooo cool!! More videos like this!!! So what would the difference be in pimples from a bacterial breakout to a reaction? Like if I tried a new skincare product and got a pimple or two, is that considered a clogged pore? Or a reaction? How would you be able to differentiate the two?

[@thefozzybear]

Also avoid greasy foods like chips, french fries, etc. Diet is important too.

[@jenniferburgett8328]

I'm currently getting over this. I get it all the time in random places. This time ours all around my mouth & nose from wearing masks bc of CoVid. I'm treating it with DermaFungal (2% Miconazole Nitrate) & Desoximetasone (.25%). I squeeze out a good bit of the DermaFungal & a little of the steroid cream, mix them together & apply it to my face, chest, neck, shoulders. I cover all those places that are affected. It clears it up quick, but of even wear a mask for an hour it comes back again around my mouth. This was just a concoction I found worked well for it & I couldn't actually get in to physically see my Dr. I wish I could post a pic on here. I really thought it was going to scar

[@sebrenahwaddell6307]

Just need to say how helpful this was! I had stubborn fungal acne on my forehead and had no clue how to get rid of it... the ketoconazole shampoo worked in 5 days! It was gone 😱 thank you so much! For anyone struggling this stuff works... thank you 😊

[@yanzexu6912]

cool, I gonna take a second shower with shampoo for my whole body, just to see the effect one day earlier.

[@sydneytaylor5735]

IVE BEEN ASKING FOR THIS FOR A STRAIGHT UP YEAR

[@destineyeatts8342]

God Bless everyone and God loves everyone Amen❤️🙏🏽

[@kinshuksharma9527]

Ugh I love Dr. Desai so much ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ She is so sweet and knowledgeable 💯✨