[META] Be aware of what folliculitis is ("fungal acne")

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To begin with, fungal acne isn't a thing. Don't be surprised if you bring up "fungal acne" to a dermatologist who then brushes off that term.What you have is a bacterial or fungal infection of the hair follicles.Acne is caused by blockage of the follicles.That's why treatments for folliculitis usually involve some kind of antibacterial or antifungal, usually in creams, shampoos, or pills.It's not semantics to call these by different names. Folliculitis and acne have different causes and different treatments.​The Mayo Clinic addresses both acne and folliculitis, and recognizes that folliculitis is visually similar to acne.https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/folliculitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20361634Folliculitis is a common skin condition in which hair follicles become inflamed. It's usually caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. At first it may look like small red bumps or white-headed pimples around hair follicles — the tiny pockets from which each hair grows. The infection can spread and turn into nonhealing, crusty sores.https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/symptoms-causes/syc-20368047Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. It often causes whiteheads, blackheads or pimples, and usually appears on the face, forehead, chest, upper back and shoulders.​Simple Skincare Science has an extremely extensive resource that also talks about which products to avoid and which are recommended.https://simpleskincarescience.com/pityrosporum-folliculitis-treatment-malassezia-cure/Pityrosporum Folliculitis a.k.a malassezia folliculitis is an acne-like breakout often accompanied by itchiness that flares most in areas with a lot of sebaceous activity. (1) This includes the t-zone area of face (especially forehead), shoulders, chest, and back.It’s frequently misdiagnosed as “normal” acne, which is extremely frustrating because this often leads to unnecessary and prolonged treatment with medications like antibiotics that only further exacerbate the condition. (2, 3)Like a pair of researchers put it,“Malassezia (Pityrosporum) folliculitis is a fungal acneiform condition commonly misdiagnosed as acne vulgaris. Although often associated with common acne, this condition may persist for years without complete resolution with typical acne medications.” (4)​Allure has a good condensed write up here.https://www.allure.com/story/fungal-acne-pityrosporum-folliculitis-guideFirst of all, fungal acne isn't really a thing. In fact, it's a made-up name for something scientifically called pityrosporum folliculitis, or malassezia folliculitis. No matter what you call it, it's usually due to excess yeast known as malassezia, which is in the same biological classification as fungi, within hair follicles. When this occurs, "it results in inflammation and an itchy, acne-like eruptions," Shereene Idriss, a cosmetic dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York City tells Allure.Malassezia actually lives on everyone's skin, Joshua Zeichner, the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, adds. However, yeast levels tend to increase during hot, humid weather or when you're sweaty. "High yeast levels promote inflammation, which, in turn, manifest on the skin as pus bumps," Zeichner explains.​Additionally, if you suspect you have folliculitis, please for the love of god don't spread it. It is an infection.Acne is not contagious because it's caused by physical blockage of pores.Folliculitis is potentially contagious because it's caused by bacteria or fungi. This can spread through skin-to-skin contact, sharing razors, or through hot tubs or heated pools.​If you are concerned you have "fungal acne" and are having difficulty treating it, treat it for the actual skin condition you have. A bacterial or fungal infection.
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Submitted by KatieTheDinosaur