December 18, 2024
03:22
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Table of Contents
The key difference between fungal acne and closed comedones lies in their causes and symptoms:
- Fungal acne is caused by an overgrowth of yeast (Malassezia) on the skin, typically triggered by heat, sweat, and friction. Common causes include wearing tight clothing, frequent rubbing of the skin, shaving, or using hot tubs. This leads to small, uniform red bumps that are often itchy.
- Closed comedones, on the other hand, are caused by clogged pores due to an excess of sebum (oil), dead skin cells, and debris. These clogged pores create whiteheads, which are usually non-itchy and appear on areas like the face, particularly the T-zone.
Here’s what fungal acne (top picture) vs. closed comedones (bottom picture) look like:
Fungal Acne: Notice the uniform, red bumps and mild inflammation
Closed Comedones: These appear as non-itchy, flesh-colored whiteheads with a smooth texture.
Another way to tell if you have fungal acne or closed comedones is by looking at the areas they affect:
- Fungal acne most commonly appears on the chest, back, shoulders, and forehead, often in areas that are prone to heat and sweat.
- Closed comedones, on the other hand, typically affect the face, especially around the nose, chin, and forehead—areas where oil production is higher (the T-zone).
Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective treatment.
Fungal acne is treated with antifungal products like ketoconazole or selenium sulfide to address yeast overgrowth. In contrast, closed comedones are treated with pore-clearing ingredients such as salicylic acid or retinoids to exfoliate and clear clogged pores.
Lastly, how long do they last?
- Fungal acne can persist for weeks or months if untreated. However, with antifungal treatments, symptoms often improve within a few days to a week.
- Closed comedones, while they can also last for weeks or months, typically require more time to clear up. With consistent pore-clearing treatments, like salicylic acid or retinoids, you might see improvements in a few weeks, but full resolution can take longer.