Acne vs Fungal Acne: How to Tell the Difference (and What to Do About It)

f you’re tired of dealing with stubborn breakouts that just won’t go away, it might be time to pause and ask:

“Is this even acne, or could it be fungal acne?”

Many skincare-aware Indians struggle with persistent bumps on their face, back, and shoulders, often mistaking fungal acne for regular acne. Knowing the difference is the first step to clearer, healthier skin.

In this blog, we’ll break down:

✅ What acne and fungal acne are
✅ How to tell the difference
✅ What causes fungal acne
✅ How to treat each type effectively
✅ How to use WildOak Benzoyl Peroxide Face & Body Wash in your routine

What is Acne?

Acne (pimples) occurs when pores get clogged with oil (sebum), dead skin, and bacteria, leading to:

-Whiteheads

-Blackheads

-Papules (red bumps)

-Pustules (pimples with pus)

It commonly appears on the face, back, chest, and shoulders and is often linked to:

-Hormonal fluctuations

-Excess oil production

-Stress

-Poor cleansing habits

What is Fungal Acne?

Fungal acne isn’t technically acne. Its medical name is Malassezia folliculitis, caused by yeast (fungus) overgrowth in hair follicles, leading to:

-Itchy, uniform, small bumps (often in clusters)

-Common on the forehead, hairline, upper back, chest, and shoulders

-Often triggered by humidity, sweat, or wearing tight clothing

Unlike bacterial acne, fungal acne is itchy and doesn’t respond to typical acne treatments.

Key Differences: Acne vs. Fungal Acne

Why Fungal Acne is Common in India

India’s hot, humid climate, coupled with:

✅ Sweat from daily commuting
✅ Wearing tight synthetic clothing
✅ Oily skin tendencies
✅ Heavy hair oils dripping onto the forehead

…makes fungal acne more common than many realize.

How to Treat Acne and Fungal Acne

🩺 For Regular Acne:

-Use benzoyl peroxide to reduce bacteria and unclog pores.

-Cleanse twice daily with a gentle yet effective acne cleanser.

-Avoid picking or squeezing pimples.

-Use non-comedogenic skincare.

🩺 For Fungal Acne:

-Use anti-fungal ingredients (ketoconazole shampoo as a body wash, sulfur, etc.)

-Wear loose, breathable clothing.

-Avoid heavy, greasy skincare and hair oils.

-Maintain good hygiene, especially after sweating.

How WildOak 5% Benzoyl Peroxide Wash Can Help

WildOak 5% Benzoyl Peroxide Face & Body Wash is perfect for tackling bacterial acne on the face and body while keeping skin balanced and fresh.

✅ Why it works:

-Fights acne-causing bacteria without overly drying the skin.

-Helps unclog pores, reducing whiteheads and pustules.

-Formulated for face, back, chest, and shoulders, areas prone to acne.

🌿 How to Use:

1️⃣ Apply to damp skin and leave for 30 seconds before rinsing for best results.
2️⃣ Use 1-2 times daily on affected areas.
3️⃣ Follow with a gentle moisturizer and sunscreen in the daytime.

⚠️ Note:

While benzoyl peroxide won’t treat fungal acne, using it helps you manage regular acne effectively while you adjust your routine for fungal acne if needed.

Final Tips for Clearer Skin

✅ If you’re unsure whether your breakouts are acne or fungal acne, observe:

-Are the bumps itchy and uniform?

-Do they worsen with sweat and humidity?

-Have regular acne treatments failed?

-If yes, fungal acne could be the cause, and it’s worth adjusting your routine accordingly.

✅ Always:

-Keep your skin clean, especially after workouts.

-Avoid heavy hair oils dripping onto your forehead.

-Use lightweight, non-comedogenic skincare.

When to See a Dermatologist

If your breakouts persist, worsen, or cause distress, consult a dermatologist for a personalized plan.

Take Control of Your Skin with WildOak

Acne and fungal acne can feel overwhelming, but with the right knowledge and routine, you can take control of your skin.

🌿 Ready to start your acne-fighting journey?

Try WildOak 5% Benzoyl Peroxide Face & Body Wash for clear, confident skin.