Healthy and clear skin is the dream of every one of us. Getting and maintaining clear skin is one of the biggest tasks in youth. Having acne and commodores are their worst nightmares.
Clear and healthy skin also reflects your inner health. Therefore it is very important to have healthy and problem-free skin.
The most common skin problems are acne and comedones but most do not know the difference between them.
That is why we will discuss fungal acne vs closed comedones. Plus, we’ll shed light on the key differences, causes, and available treatment options for them.
Fungal Acne Vs Closed Comedones
Fungal acne is caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the hair follicles, which can lead to infection. It usually appears as small pimples with little variation in size or shape, often accompanied by itching.
Your skin’s sebaceous glands produce an oil called “sebum.” These glands can overproduce oil by clogging your hair follicles and hair follicles with naturally occurring oils on your skin, as well as bacteria and yeast.
Bacteria can cause traditional acne blemishes, but yeast can cause inflammation in the hair follicles, also known as “folliculitis.” It is neither contagious nor contagious, nor does it indicate poor skin hygiene.
Comedones are small skin-colored acne papules, that usually develop on the forehead and chin. You usually see these papules when you are battling with acne problems.
Acne or we can say especially Comedonal acne has two most common forms that are blackheads and whiteheads.
Blackheads have “open” comedones, Black due to superficial pigment (melanin) rather than dirt. While whiteheads have “closed” ones. The follicle is completely blocked.
Some comedones may be invisible to the eye because they are so small that they are not visible to the naked eye, they are called micro comedones.
While some comedones are closed ones that are larger than 2–3 mm in diameter they are called macro comedones.
You may like to read:- Face Clean Up Routine: Steps and Tips
Causes Of Fungal Acne
Fungal acne is kind of a bit of a misnomer. Unlike acne, fungal acne is not primarily caused by oil and bacteria in the pores, although oil and sebum production plays an important role in feeding the bacteria that cause fungal acne.
On the other hand, pimple-like bumps and irritated skin associated with fungal acne are caused by an overgrowth of yeast, a form of fungus.
This is why it is sometimes referred to as fungal acne. It is also known as Pityrosporum folliculitis or Malassezia folliculitis.
The yeast which is responsible for fungal acne is always present on your skin. Normally, your body is able to balance the yeast, bacteria, and other fungi that live on your skin.
Overgrowth can emerge if that natural balance is disrupted. That’s when hair follicle infection develops and acne-like symptoms arise.
Some of the most prevalent causes of fungal ance are:-
- Fungal acne may be caused by trapped moisture. Wearing sweaty training clothes for an extended period of time can promote yeast growth. Repeatedly, without wearing gym clothes, exposes your skin without cleaning them which are made in clothes.
- The fungus acne may be caused by some drugs. Antibiotics can reduce microorganisms and bacteria on your skin. This fungus can cause overgrowth.
- If you have a compromised immune system. People with weak immune systems are susceptible to fungal acne.
- If you have made changes in your diet. Fungi and yeast depend on carbs, thus balanced by your sugar and carbohydrate diet can help reduce fungal growth.
- If you wear tight and non-breathable clothes. Wearing tight, non – breathable clothes on a regular basis can cause excessive sweating and moisture. It can provide an ideal atmosphere for yeast growth on the skin.
- If you live in a hot, moist environment. People who live in warm and humid areas, where sweat is more prevalent, can be more prone to fungus acne.
Causes Of Closed Comedones
Comedones form when the cells lining the sebaceous duct multiply (cornify) and there is increased production of sebum.
A comedo is caused by material that clogs the sebaceous duct and hair follicles. Comedones are now recognized to induce inflammation.
The following variables can contribute to the formation of comedones:-
- Excessive male sex hormone 5-testosterone (DHT) activity within skin cells
- Less linoleate (salt of the important fatty acid linoleic acid) in sebum, resulting in increased scale and decreased barrier function
- Proinflammatory cytokines (cell signaling proteins) such as interleukin 1 (IL-1) and IL-8 are released by follicle cells in response to activation of the innate immune system.
- Acne bacteria produce free fatty acids from sebum.
- Excessive moisture in the skin before menstruation, as a result of moisturizers, or in humid conditions
- Contact with cosmetic compounds such as greasy pomade, isopropyl myristate, propylene glycol, and some dyes.
- Follicular ruptures due to damage, such as pimple squeezing, abrasive cleaning, chemical peels, or laser therapy
- Smoking – Smokers are more likely to suffer from comedonal acne than non-smokers.
- Certain dietary variables, especially milk products and high-glycemic-index foods, can cause comedonal acne (sugars and fats).
You may like to read:- How to Get Rid of Closed Comedones | 5 Proven Methods
Best Treatment Options
These skin problems can be easily treated by making small changes to your food habits and lifestyle.
There are many good treatment options available nowadays. You can try which one suits you well. We are listing some of them here.
Treatment For Fungal Acne
Fungal acne is often misbehaved because it resembles ordinary acne. Many individuals use over-the-counter acne treatments, but they are ineffective.
To effectively heal fungal infections, you have to restore the balance of skin yeast and bacteria. Several treatment approaches can help with it.
Wear Loose And Breathable Clothes
If you often wear tight clothes, friction and low airflow can encourage yeast growth on the skin.
Take Regular Shower
If you follow a regular workout regime or are in a profession where you need to sweat, consider changing clothes and changing clothes immediately after the gym or work.
This can help wash extra yeast that can begin to provide wet clothes with sweat in warm, wet conditions.
Try Body Wash
Dandruff shampoos made with pyrithian zinc or selenium sulfide can be used as a body wash. This is an off-labeled use of these shampoos, but it can be effective.
When you are doing a breakout, rub your skin several times a week with these dandruff shampoos.
You can also consider using it regularly, once a week, to help maintain a healthy balance of yeast and bacteria on your skin. For the best results, let the shampoo sit on your skin for several minutes.
Try OTC Anti Fungal Ointments
Different types of OverTheCounter antifungal creams and ointments are available, such as drugs for athlete’s feet and jock itching.
Look for products with ketoconazole, butanefine, or clotrimazole creams. If aforesaid treatment is not working for you, please consult your doctor.
Treatment For Comedonal Acne
If you have comedonal acne, choose oil-free cosmetics and wash with mild soap and water twice a day. You should eat a diet that is low in fat, sugar, and dairy products. Quitting smoking can also help.
Choose topical “comedolytic” medications. These should be applied to the entire affected area as a thin smear once or twice a day.
It can take several weeks to months for meaningful improvement to occur. Treatment should continue for a long time, possibly for several years.
Suitable topical agents include:-
- Benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, azelaic acid, salicylic acid +/- sulfur, and resorcinol, Retinoids such as tretinoin, isotretinoin, and adapalene (these require a prescription)
- Antibiotics can also help with comedonal acne, however, they are often used to treat inflammatory acne or acne vulgaris.
- Surgical treatments like- electrosurgery, cryotherapy, and Microdermabrasion are sometimes recommended to remove persistent comedones.
Natural Remedies
Natural remedies for all types of acne including comedones are increasingly being investigated and are becoming more popular day by day.
However, these are not intended to substitute for a treatment plan approved by your healthcare provider.
Consult with your health care professional or dermatologist about your natural treatment options and how to incorporate these treatments as supplemental therapy.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel works as a natural astringent to help balance the moisture in your skin. It also has the advantage of opening closed comedones.
This can help in clogged pores and remove trapped dust, dirt, and other debris. You can use witch hazel as your regular astringent up to twice a day.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is used in alternative medicine to treat a number of skin conditions. It is said to aid with inflammation and infection.
Tea tree oil can improve comedonal acne by reducing sebum and relaxing the skin. You should be able to find moisturizers and spot treatments with the oil at your local drugstore.
Charcoal or Clay
Charcoal and clay masks work more effectively than other formulas for comedonal acne because they help dry up the sebum that creates builds up in your pores.
They can also help eliminate blackheads by removing trapped debris and skin cells.
Choose more regularly loose, breathing fabric options to help you achieve proper circulation to your skin and help in encouraging balanced bacteria and fungal growth.
The Bottom Line
Fungal acne and Closed comedones both are common skin problems. It is important to note that hygiene matters a lot to avoid such types of skin problems.
If you have serious skin issues or are not getting benefits from these treatment options, stop using and please consult a dermatologist.
