Acne vulgaris is the typical subject when referring to bumps on the face. However, with stubborn breakouts below the hairline, it could be fungal acne on the forehead.
It’s not uncommon to have both ailments on your face. Using products such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid helps breakouts for bacterial and fungal acne.
Yet without fungal medication or creams, these products can worsen fungal acne. Here’s what you need to understand about fungal acne on the forehead, including what it looks like and how to treat it.
Find out once and for all what kind of acne you’re dealing with to improve your skin.
What is the scientific name for fungal acne on the forehead?
The scientific name of Fungal acne is Malassezia (pityrosporum) folliculitis, and it looks very similar to typical acne (acne vulgaris). Although the condition isn’t acne, we will refer to it as fungal acne for a simple explanation.
What are the causes of fungal acne on the forehead?
Fungal acne appears on the forehead due to fungal overgrowth involving hormonal imbalances, dietary changes, trapped moisture, weakened immune systems, or humid environments. While having some fungi and bacteria is necessary, an imbalance can lead to yeast overgrowth.
This substance can then enter the sebaceous glands via the hair follicle and cause inflammation/itching (also known as fungal acne).
What is fungal acne on the forehead?
An excess of yeast within the hair cells causes fungal acne. The oil produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin is known as “sebum.”
These ducts can create too much sebum, which merges with hair cells, bacteria, and fungi on the skin. Bacteria can produce classic acne blemishes, but yeast can induce “folliculitis,” or irritation of the hair cells.
Fungal acne unlike acne vulgaris can be itchy and transmissible.
These rashes tend to be scanty, unvarying bumps that emerge from hair follicles, often along the forehead. Additionally, it can spread across the cheek and occasionally on the upper back and chest.
Fungal forehead acne differs from traditional acne in that the bumps are often small and rash-like. However, it may appear slightly different for individuals but are all similar in form.
How to treat fungal acne on the forehead?
Fungal acne on the forehead is often improperly treated because it looks a lot like common acne. Many people use standard acne treatments every day, without results.
To effectively treat a yeast infection, the equilibrium between yeast and bacteria must be re-established. Multiple therapeutic alternatives are available to make your attempts successful.
Shower after workouts
After workouts or sweat-inducing activities, immediately remove workout gear and bathe. Yeast flourish in hot, humid environments and love sweaty material!
Wear loose fabric
If you wear tight headbands, the friction and low airflow can stimulate fungus growth on the skin.
Maintaining healthy circulation by avoiding tight fitted clothing, encourages a healthy balance of microorganisms.
Try a medicated shower gel
Selsun Blue and other anti-dandruff shampoos have shown efficacy in treating fungal acne on the forehead and body. The key ingredients to look for are zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide.
This practice of washing with products containing these ingredients, will prove helpful. For an effective application, let the shampoo settle on your skin for several minutes prior to rinsing it off.
Use over-the-counter (OTC) fungal treatments.
Various over-the-counter fungal creams and ointments are available for conditions such as athlete’s foot and jock itch. Of these products, look for ingredients with ketoconazole, butenafine, or clotrimazole cream.
The products help resolve fungal acne on the forehead and body.
Try prescription oral anti-fungal medications
Itraconazole or fluconazole, for example, may be prescribed by your dermatologist. These anti-fungal drugs work by attacking the hair follicles and removing fungus that is causing fungal acne on the forehead.
Yeast bumps on the forehead?
Yeast bumps on the forehead correlate to candida overgrowth, and typically accompany yeast infections throughout the body.
Typical causes of fungal overgrowth include:
- lack of cleanliness
- Excess perspiration
- Aggressive facial products
- Rough rubbing
- Irritation of facial tissue
- A diet high in sugar
Treatment of yeast overgrowth
Treatment varies by infection. Medicated creams along with topical ointments can treat most fungal skin infections. In some cases, a change in diet and hygiene is needed to prevent recurrences.
Conclusion
Fungal acne varies from other types of acne stemming from an imbalance of yeast in the skin. Since often mistaken for a typical blemish, an examination by a dermatologist can help determine the appropriate type of treatment.
Knowing how to recognize this sort of skin illness might help you avoid further breakouts.
Fortunately, fungal acne on the forehead is treatable and will likely resolve itself in short timing. You also don’t have to be embarrassed if you detect the dreaded small bumps all of a sudden.
They can appear while you’re trying to live your best life, and the best thing to do is consult a doctor.
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