Could You Have Fungal Acne? We Asked Dermatologists How to Tell

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, FAAD, says fungal acne typically presents as confluent pink papules (or even tiny pustules), usually occurring on the forehead and frontal hairline. It can also develop on other parts of the body (chest, trunk, and back) and usually doesn't cause painful cysts or scarring, she adds.

Similarly, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Todd Minars, MD explains that pityrosporum folliculitis is also itchy, due to the inflammation of the hair follicles. "If you're experiencing itchiness, your acne is a folliculitis issue," he explains. "Sure, your skin can become dry if you're using certain products for real acne, but that's more because of the dry skin as a reaction to the medication. If your acne is itchy from the get-go, it's not acne."

Another differentiating factor? Dr. Minars says fungal acne won't cause blackheads the way normal acne does.

Image via Boyloso/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty