As a parent, it can be confusing (and frustrating) trying to figure out what’s going on with your teen’s skin, especially when breakouts just won’t budge. One thing I often see in clinic is a misdiagnosis between bacterial acne and something else entirely: fungal acne. Let’s unpack the differences together so you can feel confident helping your teen get the right support.

What’s the Difference?

Bacterial Acne is the type of acne most of us are familiar with—blackheads, whiteheads, and those angry red spots. It forms when pores get blocked by oil and dead skin cells, creating the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.

Fungal Acne, on the other hand, isn’t really acne at all. It’s actually a yeast overgrowth in the hair follicles (the proper name is Malassezia folliculitis), and while it can look similar to traditional acne, the way we treat it is totally different.

Clues That It Might Be Fungal Acne

• The spots are small, red, and itchy – usually the same size
  
• It often appears in clusters on the chest, back, or shoulders
  
• It doesn’t respond to regular acne treatments, these usually make it worse instead
  
• It flares up after sweating or being in a hot, humid environment

What to Avoid for Fungal Acne

If your teen has fungal acne, some common acne treatments can actually make it worse. Here’s what to steer clear of:

• Oily skincare products: Fungal acne feeds on oil, especially fatty acids in certain moisturisers and sunscreens
  
• Antibiotics: These can wipe out the good bacteria and give yeast more room to grow
  
• Over-exfoliation: This can compromise the skin barrier, making it easier for yeast to thrive
  
• High-sugar diets: Yeast loves sugar just as much as your teen does!
  

Instead, we look for gentle, yeast-fighting ingredients like sulfur, or ketoconazole, reducing sugar intake and we work on balancing the skin’s microbiome rather than stripping it.

So What’s the Next Step?

Whether your teen’s skin is being triggered by hormones, bacteria, or an overgrowth of yeast, it’s something we can work on together. The key is to properly identify what’s going on beneath the surface.

📩 Book an acne consultation and let’s get to the root of it — together.

I’ll help you figure out what’s really going on with your teen’s skin and create a treatment plan that actually works (no more trial and error!). You’re not alone in this journey—and neither is your teen.