What is pityrosporum folliculitis and how do you care for your skin?
At first glance, it looks like acne: small bumps, sometimes with a white head, mainly on your forehead, back, chest, or shoulders. But if it itches rather than hurts, chances are you're not dealing with regular acne – but with pityrosporum folliculitis.
What is pityrosporum folliculitis?
Pityrosporum folliculitis is a skin condition caused by an overgrowth of the yeast Malassezia. This yeast normally lives on your skin, but when the skin microbiome is disrupted, it can multiply rapidly and infect hair follicles. This causes inflammation and itchy, uniform bumps. It's often seen on the back, chest, upper arms, and sometimes the face.
How can you tell the difference from regular acne?
- The bumps are usually all the same size and close together
- It itches – unlike acne vulgaris, which is usually painful
- The skin doesn’t respond well to standard acne treatments
What should you avoid?
The Malassezia yeast feeds on certain ingredients. If your skin is sensitive to pityrosporum folliculitis, it's best to avoid the following:
- Oily ingredients & fatty acids such as coconut oil, lauric acid, olive oil
- Fatty acid esters like Isopropyl Myristate, Glyceryl Stearate
- Fermented ingredients like Galactomyces, Saccharomyces
Fungal-acne-safe skincare routine
These products are free from triggering ingredients and ideal for skin prone to pityrosporum folliculitis:
Step 1 – Cleanser
Step 2 – Toner
Step 3 – Essence
Step 4 – Serum
Step 5 – Moisturizer
Step 6 – Mask
Step 7 – Sunscreen
Frequently Asked Questions about pityrosporum folliculitis ✧
✧What's the difference between pityrosporum folliculitis and acne?
Pityrosporum folliculitis is caused by yeast, while acne usually results from bacteria and clogged pores. It tends to itch and doesn’t respond to regular acne treatments.
✧How do I know if my skincare is feeding the yeast?
Avoid ingredients like coconut oil, fatty esters (such as Isopropyl Myristate), and ferments like Galactomyces. These can stimulate yeast growth.
✧Can I solve this with skincare alone?
With the right skincare, you can often significantly reduce pityrosporum folliculitis. In persistent cases, an antifungal cream or shampoo may be necessary – consult your doctor.
✧Can I exfoliate if I have pityrosporum folliculitis?
Yes, in moderation. Choose gentle exfoliants like salicylic acid (BHA) and avoid scrubs or harsh acids that could irritate the skin.