Malassezia folliculitis is also known as pityrosporum folliculitis.
This condition is due to inflammation of the hair follicles due to a yeast infection. It presents with inflamed red bumps that can look like acne. The distribution is usually on the
- chest,
- back,
- shoulders
- neck
- and less commonly affects the face
Treatment of Malassezia folliculitis is very different from the usual acne treatment.
Topical antifungal treatment like selenium sulfide may be used to treat this condition. Oral anti-fungal medications may be needed, especially in more severe cases.
It is important to make a proper diagnosis to distinguish between Malassezia folliculitis and acne as the treatment is very different. Sometimes, both conditions may also co-exist which makes treatment a lot more tricky.
Acne is treated with topical medications like tretinoin or Differin cream and topical antibiotics like topical clindamycin. In more severe cases, oral antibiotics or isotretinoin tablets may be indicated. Treatment with oral antibiotics can worsen Malassezia folliculitis so it is important to get the right diagnosis before commencing treatment.
If in doubt, do see your doctor or dermatologist for a proper assessment and management.
