How To Tell If You Have Fungal Acne

How to Tell if You have Fungal AcneThis post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of the links, I earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Alright, if you’re here, it’s safe to assume you already think you have fungal acne. The real issue is that you just want to be 1,000% sure before you totally revamp your entire skincare and makeup routine, reset your thinking, and start reading every label. I hear you!! I’ve compiled a few of my best tips below.

REMEMBER! I am not a dermatologist. The only way to know without a doubt that you have fungal acne is by visiting a dermatologist and getting properly tested. These tips are designed to give you clues as to what may be going on with your skin/acne. I cannot officially diagnose you.

Tip 1: Your Acne Itches

You have acne like bumps and they ITCH! They often present as little white heads or a cluster of small uniform bumps. The products you are treating with make it more itchy/irritated.

Tip 2: Your Acne is Stubborn

Your acne is super stubborn. The pimples don’t respond to any treatments, or they only partially respond. But no matter what: your acne is a nightmare you just can’t wake up from. The spots never go away, much less the scars & hyperpigmentation.

Tip 3: Blacklight Test

This is a cool way to tell if you have fungal acne, but your results may vary depending on your blacklight. Get a blacklight and shine it on an active pustule (pimple filled with pus).

  • If the pimple has a coral, red, or orange tinge: it’s most likely bacterial acne
  • If the pimple has a yellow, white, or blue tint: it’s most likely fungal acne, or malassezia folliculitis
  • If your pimples have both colors, then congratulations! You have both fungal and bacterial acne (yayyyyy)

Tip 4: You Have Other Skin Conditions

Are you suffering from dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, or other mysterious skin rashes? These can be indicators that you already suffer from a fungus-based skin condition. Ironically, the products used to treat these conditions often make them worse.

If you’re at a total loss as to what’s going in with your skin, I want to give you some encouragement here!

The biggest tip-off for me is the fact that I have had severe eczema, rashes, and contact dermatitis on my lip, my ear, my hands, neck, and arms for YEARS. And though I’ve tried every remedy I can find online or buy in a store, nothing ever made these conditions better.

After suffering from severe cystic acne for a majority of college/young adulthood, I finally got my skin more stable, but I was never able to truly clear my acne. I noticed that my face was always feeling itchy- especially after slathering on lotions, potions, creams, or a full face of makeup.

All in all, if you’re experiencing a combination of these symptoms, I would consider looking into how you can treat your skin differently, because it’s worth a shot! Just be warned, the journey ahead may become intense. It’s going to require a mind shift and a lot of reading labels, but that’s why I’m here to help!

What Should I Do Next?

If this blog post resonated with you and you think you might be suffering from fungal acne, then good news: there’s hope! I have been able to completely transform my skin using products that are accessible and affordable. For the first time in 15 years, my skin is clear without any harsh chemicals or medications. It actually feels like real skin again!

Now take a deep breath & get ready to clear you skin. You’re going to change the way you think about your skincare and makeup from here on out, and I promise the sacrifices (RIP Nars Sheerglow) will be worth it!

Here’s a list of my best resources just for you:

Change Your Skincare Products

Change Your Makeup Products

Patience & Consistency Are Key

I know this might not be what you want to hear right now, but the key to clearing your acne (fungal or not) is patience and consistency! We’ve all heard a million times that good things take time, and when it comes to clearing your skin, that couldn’t be more true.

But there’s more to the story. Consistency matters. And I’m not talking about using harsh exfoliators, chemicals, or medications that destroy your body (I’m looking at you, Accutane!). I’m talking about adopting a gentle routine and following it to a T.

Furthermore, don’t be afraid to pivot. If you try a product and it doesn’t work for you, then try something else. Don’t give up.. there’s a cure for your skin, you just have to find it! Check out this article: Why Isn’t My Skincare Working?

My Youtube Channel

I have even more videos all about fungal acne & how to get clear skin on my Brooke’s Beauty Bazaar Youtube Channel. Check it out!


Do you know someone who might benefit from hearing about fungal acne? Share this post with them so they can start their journey to clear skin today!

You can also Pin this Image to Pinterest to Help Spread the Word about #fungalacne:

What skincare products do I recommend for Fungal Acne?

Paula’s Choice RESIST Daily Hydrating Fluid Face Moisturizer SPF 50
EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF46
Stridex Maximum Strength Medicated Pads
Paula’s Choice CLEAR ULTRA-LIGHT DAILY HYDRATING FLUID SPF 30+
Differin Gel (Adapalene 0.1%)
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 30ml
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
FAB Hello Fab Coconut Water Cream
Hada Labo Skin Plumping Gel Moisturizer
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Soothing Micellar Cleanser Makeup Remover
BIODERMA Hydrabio Gel Crème Moisturizer
Biossance 100% Squalane Oil
CeraVe Healing Ointment
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser 4% Benzoyl Peroxide
Clearsil Stubborn Acne Ultra 5 in 1 Pads
Albolene Moisturizing Cleanser
BIODERMA Sébium Purifying Cleansing Foaming Gel
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Vaseline Petroleum Jelly
Summer’s Eve Fragrance Free PH Balance Cleansing Wash
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
AVEENO Baby Cleansing Therapy Moisturizing Wash
Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water
Asterwood Naturals Hyaluronic Acid
CeraVe Baby Cream
CeraVe Hydrating Micellar Water
2oz Amber Glass Small Empty Spray Bottle, Fine Mist Spray, Set of 3
St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Mousse

What makeup products do I recommend for Fungal Acne?

Paula’s Choice RESIST Daily Hydrating Fluid Face Moisturizer SPF 50
Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation
EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF46
FAB Hello Fab Coconut Water Cream
Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Lip Color
NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Contour Concealer
NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Full Coverage Foundation
Supergoop! Daily Correct CC Cream | SPF 35
NYX Face & Body Glitter
DUO Brush-On Lash Adhesive by Ardelle
Medusa’s Makeup Mineral Eye Dust
bareMinerals Loose Mineral Eyecolor
NYX Bare With Me Tinted Skin Veil
Makeup Revolution Luxury Banana Powder
Wet ‘n Wild Color Icon Bronzer
Vaseline Petroleum Jelly
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
AVEENO Baby Cleansing Therapy Moisturizing Wash
L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow
Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water
Maybelline Color Tattoo Cream Eyeshadow Pots
Maybelline Superstay Ink Crayon Matte Longwear Lipstick
bareMinerals Blush
bareMinerals Original Foundation SPF 15
Medusa’s Makeup Baked Eyeshadow
Medusa’s Makeup Eyeliner Seal (Eye Dust Elixir)
CeraVe Hydrating Micellar Water
Kryvaline Face Paint Palette
2oz Amber Glass Small Empty Spray Bottle, Fine Mist Spray, Set of 3
St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Mousse
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