Body acne vs. fungal acne: how to tell the difference and treat each

If you're battling breakouts on your back, chest, butt, or other areas below the neck, you have body acne. If your usual acne remedies aren't working, what appears to be body acne could actually be fungal acne—,a different skin condition requiring a unique treatment approach.

Let's dive into the similarities and differences between body acne and fungal acne, and how to treat and prevent each condition effectively.

What causes body acne vs. fungal acne

Body acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with excess sebum and dead skin cells, leading to bacterial growth and inflammation. Hormones, medications, diet, skincare products in your routine, and stress can also play a role.

Fungal acne, despite its name, is not true acne but a fungal infection of the hair follicles caused by an overgrowth of the yeast Malassezia. Warm, humid environments and tight, non-breathable clothing that traps moisture is the perfect breeding ground for yeast and can increase the risk of fungal acne.

How does body acne look vs. fungal acne

Body acne can appear as blackheads, whiteheads, papules (small red spots), pustules (pus-filled red spots), nodules (larger, deeper papules), or cysts (soft, pus-filled, tender boils). They may vary in size and severity.

Fungal acne typically presents as uniform, small, itchy bumps in clusters, with a slightly red or inflamed base. Unlike body acne, fungal acne rarely develops into large, deep nodules or cysts.

How to treat body acne vs. fungal acne

Body acne treatment often involves topical products with active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids to kill bacteria, unclog pores, and reduce inflammation.

Fungal acne requires antifungal treatment to address yeast overgrowth. Topical antifungal creams (ketoconazole, clotrimazole) or antifungal shampoos (ketoconazole, selenium sulfide) used as body washes or body masks can be effective.

How to prevent body acne vs. fungal acne

Preventing body acne involves maintaining a consistent skincare routine that includes cleansing to remove excess oil, sweat, and dead skin cells, exfoliating to keep pores clear and prevent buildup, keeping skin balanced with a non-clogging moisturizer, and lifestyle habits like wearing loose, breathable clothing and showering shortly after sweating.

To prevent fungal acne, it's essential to keep the skin clean and dry, especially in areas prone to sweating. Changing out of sweaty clothes promptly, allowing the skin to breathe, and incorporating a weekly fungal treatment into your routine can help prevent yeast overgrowth.