Acne is a common nuisance that most people know from their teen years, but for a large group of adults, it can still be a concern. Of all types of acne, one of the trickiest to manage is fungal acne, but at Vibrant Dermatology, we offer treatment options that can help you on your path to clearer skin. Learn more about acne, the scars it can cause, and what acne treatment options can help.
There are various types of acne, and one that often gets confused with regular acne is fungal acne. Fungal acne is an infection of the hair follicles in your skin. It can occur when a fungus called Malassezia yeast infects the follicles, causing itchiness, whiteheads, and skin irritation.
The yeast that causes this type of acne is always present on your skin, but your body can usually fight it off and keep it in balance with the bacteria and other fungi also present. If there is a change to that balance, the yeast can grow quickly and cause fungal acne.
The signs and symptoms of fungal acne include:
The level of yeast, fungi, and bacteria on your skin can become imbalanced for many reasons. Trapped moisture can be an issue, like staying in damp workout clothes for too long or wearing tight clothes.
Humid and hot environments can also contribute to the development of fungal acne. Sometimes, even shaving, waxing, or plucking can cause an imbalance. Taking antibiotics for another health concern can also allow the yeast to grow unchecked, leading to fungal acne. Like other types of acne, the fungal version can leave scars, but there are treatment options available that can help.
Fungal acne will not respond to normal acne treatments. You have to remember that a fungus causes this condition, and the best way of resolving the problem is to bring back that balance between bacteria and fungi on your skin.
For many, the best fungal acne treatments are topical, like antifungal creams and shampoos. Even dandruff shampoo is extremely helpful. If topical treatments don’t work, you might have to take oral antifungal medications.
You will need to make lifestyle changes to prevent flare-ups. They can include showering right after exercising and avoiding tight clothing. Eating a balanced diet can also make a difference because yeast thrives on carbohydrates.
If you have acne scars, whether from fungal acne or not, you may think you’re stuck with them, but that’s not the case.
For the treatment of acne scars, chemical peels are some of the most trusted options. Chemical peels use special acids to remove the top layers of your skin, prompting your body to start the healing process and create new and healthier skin. You can choose from light, medium, and deep peels, depending on the type of acne scars you have and your skin’s condition.
Intense pulsed light (IPL) is another of the best acne scar treatment options available. It utilizes waves of light that transform into thermal energy once they reach your skin. Although it may seem counterintuitive, IPL triggers the inflammatory process that led to the development of the scar in the first place, but this time harnesses that power to remove the scar tissue and create new collagen.
IPL treatment offers multiple wavelengths of energy, making it easier to target the scar tissue at any level of your skin. That is not always possible with other options, including laser therapy. It can be an excellent option for people with very sensitive skin who might not be appropriate candidates for chemical peels or other more abrasive treatments.
Microneedling is another effective acne scar removal option. It relies on creating tiny wounds with small needles, encouraging your body’s natural healing process to begin. Microneedling can help break down the collagen that makes up acne scar tissue while also promoting the creation of new collagen, giving you the chance to get a more even texture.
To make the procedure even more effective, we offer RF microneedling. It combines the microneedling process with radiofrequency energy, enhancing the wounds the needles create to make the results even more dramatic.
When you turn to us for a consultation, we can help identify the type of acne you have and find the best treatment options for your needs. We will perform a physical examination and ask about your medications, lifestyle, and medical history. All of that information will allow us to guide you. If you have acne scars, we can also discuss the various options and recommend the ones that suit your skin type and overall health best.
Whether you face common acne or fungal acne, there are acne treatment options available that can help when you have flare-ups and also help prevent them in the future. At Vibrant Dermatology in Dedham, MA, we offer the kind of help you need to get the clear and beautiful skin you have always wanted. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our experts.