You’ve tried every scrub, toner, and breakout-fighting product out there—but the tiny bumps on your forehead just won’t budge. They’re not classic whiteheads, they don’t respond to acne treatments, and they seem to stick around no matter what. If that sounds familiar, you might be dealing with something commonly mistaken for acne but technically not acne at all: fungal acne.
Also known as Malassezia folliculitis, this condition can look like acne, feel like acne—but won’t act like acne when you treat it.
Let’s dive into how to spot it, what causes it, and how to finally get your smooth forehead back.
What Is Fungal Acne?
Fungal acne is a misnomer. Unlike traditional acne, which is caused by bacteria, oil, and clogged pores, fungal acne is the result of yeast overgrowth—specifically Malassezia yeast—within hair follicles.
Your skin naturally has yeast living on it, but sometimes that balance gets disrupted. When the yeast multiplies too quickly, it leads to inflamed follicles, resulting in clusters of small, uniform bumps—often on the forehead, temples, chest, and upper back.
Signs You Might Have Fungal Acne
Fungal acne can be tricky to diagnose, but there are some telltale signs:
- Tiny, itchy, uniform bumps that appear suddenly
- Located on the forehead, temples, chest, shoulders, or upper back
- Worsens with sweat, humidity, or after working out
- Doesn’t respond to typical acne treatments (salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, retinoids)
- May coexist with regular acne, making it even harder to treat
If you’ve tried everything for months with no results—and especially if the bumps are itchy or clustered—fungal acne could be the missing piece.
What Causes Fungal Acne?
Fungal acne develops when the Malassezia yeast on your skin grows out of control. Triggers include:
- Sweat + trapped moisture from hats, helmets, or workout gear
- Hot and humid environments
- Antibiotic use, which kills off bacteria but not yeast
- Heavy skincare or hair products that feed the yeast (especially oils like olive, coconut, and esters)
- Tight clothing that traps sweat and blocks ventilation
Basically, it thrives in warm, moist, and oily environments—which is why your forehead (under hair and hats) is such a common hotspot.
How to Treat Fungal Acne
Since this isn’t traditional acne, traditional acne treatments won’t work. In fact, some ingredients (like fatty acids or oils) can actually make it worse. Here’s what does help:
1. Use Antifungal Ingredients
Look for anti-yeast treatments like:
- Ketoconazole 2% shampoo (like Nizoral): Apply it as a 5-minute mask on affected skin before rinsing.
- Selenium sulfide shampoo (like Selsun Blue): Another great option for fungal control.
- Zinc pyrithione soap or shampoo: Gentle and antifungal—safe for long-term use.
Use these 3–4 times a week on affected areas. Let them sit for several minutes before rinsing to allow full penetration.
2. Avoid Feeding the Yeast
- Stop using skincare with heavy oils, esters, or fermented ingredients.
- Check for Malassezia-safe skincare products—there are databases online to help.
- Stick to lightweight, non-comedogenic, and oil-free moisturizers and sunscreens.
3. Keep Skin Dry and Breathable
- Shower after workouts.
- Wear moisture-wicking fabrics.
- Avoid occlusive headwear, caps, and helmets for long periods.
4. Consider Oral Antifungals
If topical treatment isn’t enough, a dermatologist may prescribe oral antifungal medications like fluconazole or itraconazole, which are very effective for widespread or stubborn cases.
When to See a Dermatologist
If you’re unsure whether it’s acne or fungal acne—or if your skin isn’t responding to treatment—it’s time to check in with a professional. A dermatologist can examine your skin under a microscope, or even take a biopsy or culture to confirm the diagnosis.
Don’t Waste Time on the Wrong Treatments
One of the most frustrating things about fungal acne is how long it takes to even realize that’s what it is. But once you know, targeted treatment can clear it surprisingly fast—sometimes in as little as a few weeks.
So if those tiny forehead bumps are driving you nuts, and nothing else has worked, you might not be dealing with acne after all. You might be dealing with yeast.
fungal acne, tiny bumps on forehead, Malassezia folliculitis, forehead breakouts, how to treat fungal acne, antifungal skin care, fungal acne vs regular acne
#fungalacne #tinybumps #texture #skincarehelp #Malassezia
Zehn Skin and Health 
Leave a comment