You’ve done every possible acne regimen — benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, even antibiotics — but those stubborn itchy bumps just won’t budge. What if that acne isn’t actually acne at all?

Fungal acne, or pityrosporum folliculitis, is another disorder that gets easily confused for the typical acne, resulting in the use of the wrong treatments and frustration abounds with your skin.

While bacterial acne (which thrives on clogged pores and oils) is one of the causes of breakouts, fungal acne is caused by an overgrowth of yeast (Malassezia) in hair follicles.

This naturally occurring yeast on one’s skin becomes a problem if it is set off by over-sweating, humidity, or improper use of skincare.

So, how do you distinguish fungal acne from normal acne, and more importantly, how do you treat it well?

In this guide, we dissect expert-supported treatments, prevention strategies, and dermatologist-recommended skincare tips to get you clearing your skin for good.