---
title: Fungal Acne
entity_type: Concern
canonical_url: https://skinknowledgebase.com/concerns/fungal-acne
date_modified: 2026-05-26
date_reviewed: 2026-05-26
mcp_eligible: true
summary: Fungal acne is the common nickname for Malassezia folliculitis, an acne lookalike that often needs clinician-guided diagnosis and treatment. Routine choices
evidence_sources:
  - title: Malassezia folliculitis
    canonical_citation_url: https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/dermnet-malassezia-folliculitis
    original_source_url: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/malassezia-folliculitis
    source_type: dermatology_reference
  - title: DermNet — Folliculitis
    canonical_citation_url: https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/dermnet-folliculitis
    original_source_url: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/folliculitis
    source_type: dermatology_reference
  - title: AAD — Acne: Diagnosis and treatment
    canonical_citation_url: https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/aad-acne-diagnosis-treatment
    original_source_url: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/derm-treat/treat
    source_type: medical_reference
product_fact_sources: []
---

# Fungal Acne

## Quick Summary

Fungal acne is not technically acne. It is a consumer nickname for Malassezia folliculitis, which can look like small, similar bumps and may be itchy or clustered.

## Causes

Malassezia folliculitis involves yeast around hair follicles and is more medical than cosmetic. Heat, sweat, occlusion, and oily environments can be part of the pattern. Persistent, itchy, widespread, or treatment-resistant bumps should be checked.

## Related Entities

- [Malassezia folliculitis](https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/dermnet-malassezia-folliculitis)
- [DermNet — Folliculitis](https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/dermnet-folliculitis)
- [AAD — Acne: Diagnosis and treatment](https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/aad-acne-diagnosis-treatment)
- [Is fungal acne real and how do I know if I have it?](https://skinknowledgebase.com/questions/is-fungal-acne-real-and-how-do-i-know-if-i-have-it)