Beauty Tips

Are Your Breakouts Seemingly Immune to Treatment? It May Be Fungal Acne

Here's what you need to know

by Rosie Narasaki | COMMENT

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How do you treat fungal acne? "You want to treat with medications that treat the yeast and look for ingredients like zinc pyrithione," says Bhanusali. "I usually tell my patients to use a product like Dove Men+Care Derma+Care Scalp 2 in 1 Shampoo & Conditioner Dandruff Defense, $4.89, or Suave Anti Dandruff Itchy Scalp Relief 2-in-1, $3.48, as a body wash." It may sound counter-intuitive to use shampoo on your body — but it turns out that Malassezia, the yeast that causes fungal acne, is often the culprit for dandruff as well. Bhanusali adds that you should leave the shampoo on as a treatment for around five minutes before rinsing and continue for a few weeks. Then, once it's cleared up, you can add in the anti-dandruff shampoo every once in a while after particularly sweaty gym sessions.

Gohara adds that in addition to any prescriptions you might receive after consulting your dermatologist, a soothing body wash can also help. "Using gentle cleansers is key so the fire isn't stoked," she explains. "My favorite is the Dove White Beauty Bar, $1.29. It moisturizes and replaces skin-identical lipids as it cleans."

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