Acne Sucks - Fungal Acne Can Be Even Worse
Why is Fungal acne worse than regular acne? It hardly ever gets diagnosed, that's why. If you’ve been struggling with tiny, pimple-like bumps since the beginning of time, chances are, you’re probably not dealing with regular acne. Commonly located around the T-zone, chest, back and shoulders, we take no pleasure in introducing you to the little, and sometimes itchy, bumps known as fungal acne.
Recently I've had a few clients who told me they had been taking antibiotics for acne, had topicals that were compounded at the pharmacy, and they still had no result with regard to their acne. Upon inspection it was clear that they did not have regular zits. Nope.... Fungal acne has a pattern and a "look". Like its name suggests, fungal acne is caused by an overgrowth of yeast (i.e. fungi), whereas regular acne is triggered by bacteria and clogged pores. An overload of yeast causes inflammation in the hair follicles and leads to itchy, uniform red bumps. Sometimes there are clusters of tiny white heads as well. DO NOT PICK. Seriously. Don't 😛
So fungus loves to live in warm and wet conditions, and feed on sugar and carbs and oils. Keeping yourself dry and clean and cutting back on sweets and carbs, may help you see improvement. Here's how you can tell you don't have regular bacterial acne:
Your acne doesn’t react/adapt well to over-the-counter drugs and prescribed acne treatments or they make them worse.
Your acne is aggravated due to other signs of fungal growth like dandruff, psoriasis, eczema, etc.
The breakouts feel itchy or burns to the touch.
For a proper diagnosis and to find out if your acne is fungal or bacterial, we do recommend you see a dermatologist for a concrete diagnosis. When you have identified what you’re faced with and take appropriate treatment steps, you’ll notice massive improvement in your condition. If your condition is limited to your body, you can certainly help heal up the fungal acne with a dandruff shampoo like Head and Shoulders & Sebamed. Anti-dandruff shampoo contains antimicrobial ingredients like zinc pyrithione and Piroctone Olamine. These compounds are known to kill the fungus, stabilizing the hair follicles and maintaining the pH level of the skin. Certainly we would never recommend washing your face with dandruff shampoo as it can be too harsh, but for the body, yep...it's a great alternative and it works.
For your sensitive facial skin, an appropriate skin care routine is super important. Keep it simple with GlymedPlus products made specifically for serious skin conditions. A salicylic cleanser, Fulvic acid treatment, as well as a hydrating gel based moisturizer with hyaluronic acid, NO oil (fungal acne feeds on oils). Finally, a Sulphur mask for serious action healing is also a must. Here's why these products are super helpful:
Salicylic Acid Cleanser: Salicylic acid is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal, which makes it a very effective ingredient when it comes to healing fungal acne. It is also a keratolytic agent, which means it is able to slough off dead skin and prevent excessive skin growth.
Fulvic Acid Treatment: Fulvic Acid is a critical nutrient and one of the most
powerful antioxidants for skin health. Known for its antibacterial,
anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties, this serum is a
must.
Ultra Hydro Gel: Replenishes dehydrated, irritated and aging or acneic skin with 10%
Hyaluronic Acid gel. Hyaluronic Acid is found naturally in our bodies and
is responsible for younger, healthier skin.
Serious Action Sulphur Mask: Sulphur has been proven beneficial when treating acne, fungal acne or even rosacea. Working in a similar manner as Benzoyl Peroxide, Sulfur kills
bacteria and loosens impactions within the pores. Sulphur is also a powerful anti-fungal ingredient.
GlymedPlus Canada has the best products around for combating this frustrating condition. We can definitely put together a routine for you and follow your care to ensure you get rid of these stubborn bumps. Come see us for a free consult and we will get you all sorted out. Lots of love xoxoxoxo
