Fungal acne is also known as pityrosporum folliculitis (PF). They present with inflamed red bumps on the chest and back and can often mimic truncal acne. They often appear suddenly in crops and can spread quite rapidly.
Pityrosporum folliculitis is due to infection by the yeast, Malassezia furfur. It tends to occur in teenagers and young adults. Warm and humid conditions and increased perspiration are predisposing factors for developing PF.
The mainstay of treatment of PF is anti-fungal treatment. Oral antifungal agents are the most effective treatment for PF. Topical anti-fungal medications can also be used.
Isotretinoin, tetracycline and benzoyl peroxide are mainly acne treatment and do not treat PF. In fact, the use of oral antibiotics like tetracycline may cause the PF to worsen.
