Getting To Know Fungal Acne, Acne That Is Related To Muncul

Illustration of acne faces (Pexels/Hanna Pad)

The cause of acne is generally known to be caused by bacteria. However, there are also pimples that are not caused by bacteria, which are referred to as fungal acne.

Fungal acne or fungal acne is not an ordinary acne, but a hair follicle infection due to excess growth of Malassezia mushrooms. These mushrooms grow excessively on the skin, enter the hair follicles, then trigger inflammation.

"This Ragi lives on our skin and likes to eat sebum, namely oil produced by glands under the skin," said clinical assistant professor of dermatology, Blair Jenkins, MD, PhD, quoted from Women's Health, on Tuesday, December 9, 2025.

Fungal acne is usually in the form of small, shallow bumps, uniform size, and can appear reddish or purplish, depending on the skin color. These lumps can even trigger itching that is sometimes annoying.

Many people also feel itching lumps. That's one of the main differentiators," he said.

In general, fungal acne often appears on the back and chest, but it can also occur on the face. One of the conditions that causes fungal acne is when the body is hot and sweaty, the production of sebum increases, which gives fungi easy to develop.

Not bathing after the body sweats, making oil and dead skin cells pile up on the skin. This condition is also a place for fungal breeding.

Thus, to prevent the occurrence of fungal acne, one of which is not to let the body linger for long in a sweaty condition. Then choose clothes that absorb sweat well, and avoid the use of antibiotics if not needed and not a doctor's advice.

"Don't take antibiotics, unless it's prescribed by medical personnel," concluded Blair.