Latest news with #Malassezia
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
How to know if your acne is actually a fungal infection: What is fungal acne, its causes, symptoms, and more
Fungal acne is a common skin condition caused by an overgrowth of yeast called Malassezia in the hair follicles. Unlike regular acne, fungal acne often appears as small, itchy, uniform bumps and tends to show up on areas like the chest, back, shoulders, and face. Warm, humid environments, excessive sweating, and tight clothing can trigger or worsen fungal acne. It's often confused with regular acne, but it requires a different treatment approach using antifungal products and proper skincare. Recognising the symptoms, causes, and effective prevention strategies is essential for managing and treating fungal acne successfully and keeping your skin healthy. What is fungal acne and its symptoms Fungal acne is a skin condition that occurs when the yeast Malassezia grows excessively in the hair follicles. This yeast is naturally found on the skin, but certain conditions can lead to its overgrowth. Fungal acne can appear on various parts of the body, including the face, chest, back, and arms. Fungal acne can be identified by its distinct symptoms , which include: Small, uniform bumps: Fungal acne typically appears as small, itchy bumps that are similar in size and shape. Itchiness: Fungal acne is often accompanied by intense itching, which can be a distinguishing feature from regular acne. Redness and inflammation: The affected area may become red and inflamed. Clusters of bumps: Fungal acne can appear in clusters, especially on the chest, back, and shoulders. Causes of fungal acne Several factors can contribute to the development of fungal acne, including: Excessive sweating: Trapped sweat can create a humid environment that fosters yeast growth. Warm and humid environments: Fungal acne thrives in hot and humid climates. Occlusive clothing and fabrics: Tight-fitting clothing can trap sweat and heat, promoting fungal growth. Skin barrier disruption: Over-exfoliation, harsh soaps, and certain medical conditions can weaken the skin's protective layer. Imbalances in skin microbiome : Antibiotic use can disrupt the balance of bacteria and yeast on the skin. Skincare and haircare products: Certain products can contribute to fungal acne, especially those containing oils or heavy ingredients. Are fungal acne and regular acne similar: Understanding the difference Fungal acne and regular acne can appear similar, but they have distinct causes and characteristics. Fungal acne is caused by an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast in damaged or blocked hair follicles, while regular acne is caused by blocked hair follicles with dead skin, oil, and bacteria. Fungal acne tends to be itchy, appears as uniform pimples that cluster together, and often occurs on the upper back, chest, and shoulders. In contrast, regular acne can manifest as various types of acne sores and is more common on the face. Understanding these differences is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. Treatment options for fungal acne Treatment for fungal acne typically involves antifungal medications, which can be topical or oral, and lifestyle changes. Some effective treatment options include: Lifestyle changes: Keeping the affected area clean and dry, wearing breathable clothing, and avoiding heavy skincare products can help manage fungal acne. Prevention and management of fungal acne To prevent fungal acne from recurring, it's essential to maintain good hygiene and make lifestyle adjustments, such as: Showering regularly: Remove sweat and bacteria from the skin by showering immediately after exercise or sweating. Wearing breathable fabrics: Choose loose-fitting clothing made from natural fabrics like cotton. Using antifungal products: Incorporate antifungal cleansers or spot treatments into your skincare routine. Avoiding oil-rich products: Opt for oil-free or non-comedogenic products that won't clog pores or feed the yeast. Also read | Why you should never pop a pimple: Know its risks and tips to heal
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Is your acne itching? Dermatologist reveals it may be fungal acne, shares how to tell the difference
The monsoon season triggers a lot of skin conditions because of the weather conditions. One of them is fungal acne, which many people mistake for regular acne because of overlapping symptoms like breakouts and redness. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Amit Bangia, Associate Director- Dermatology at Asian Hospital, shared with HT Lifestyle how to spot the differences between regular and fungal acne. Acne may look alike, but may have different root causes. (Shutterstock) ALSO READ: Struggling with jaw and chin acne? Dermatologist says it could be hormonal, shares 5 ways to treat them Dr Bangia highlighted the concern of growing skin infection cases in monsoon and said, 'During the monsoon, high humidity and dampness create the perfect conditions for rapid growth of microbes like bacteria and fungi. This often results in a rise in skin infections, reflected in the noticeable increase in dermatology outpatient visits across the country during this season.' Distinguishing between regular acne, which may result from skincare missteps or hormonal imbalances, and fungal infection-related flare-ups is important, as it helps guide targeted treatment. What is the difference between fungal and regular acne? Fungal acne has a burning sensation.(Shutterstock) The big difference Dr Bangia revealed when it comes to the cause is that fungal acne is caused by yeast, which is unlike typical acne caused by bacteria. Recognising the causal difference is important as it influences the treatment approach. He said, 'Fungal acne, unlike typical acne, is brought about by an excessive amount of the yeast-like fungi Malassezia. Regular acne results from clogged pores and bacterial proliferation.' Sharing a brief lowdown on the areas where acne typically occurs, he added, 'For the unversed, acne usually arises in areas with a high concentration of oil glands, such as the T-zone (the forehead, nose, and chin). Fungal acne can appear on a variety of body areas, including those with decreased oil production.' Knowing the distinguishing features helps in identifying these two types of acne more accurately. Dr Bangia noted, 'Fungal acne commonly appears as little, itchy lumps on the face that resemble tiny pimples or whiteheads. They can also appear in other body sections like the chest, back, and shoulders. These bumps may be associated with redness and inflammation." "Another noticeable feature is the prevalence of itchy or burning feelings. Fungal acne is often associated with significant itching, but ordinary acne may be less unpleasant,' Dr Bangia shed light on one of the prominent symptoms. Fungal acne is more common in people with compromised immunity, he said, 'such as those with diabetes or HIV, or even patients who use antibiotics regularly, which can lead to an imbalance of bacteria and yeast on the skin.' Treatments Treatments and management strategies differ for both conditions. Dr Bangia noted that if over-the-counter acne treatments and solutions prove ineffective, it may be a case of fungal acne. He said, 'Typical acne can be treated with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, whereas fungal acne requires antifungal medication.' But since prevention is always better and monsoon increases the risk of skin infections, knowing the precautionary methods will keep you a step ahead. Dr Bangia shared, 'First and foremost, people should prioritise personal hygiene, keeping skin dry by choosing breathable cotton and linen fabrics, and using antifungal powders or lotions in vulnerable regions. Bathe with mild antiseptic soaps is are extremely fundamental prophylactic measure.' What are the skincare ingredients consumers use for acne-prone skin? Now, when it comes to regular acne, which is very common, let's take a closer look at the skincare ingredients that skincare enthusiasts are leaning towards. When it comes to managing regular acne, especially among people with sensitive skin, they often incorporate ingredients that help reduce breakouts without irritating the skin. Malini Adapureddy, Founder and CEO of Deconstruct, shared insights on market trends and the key ingredients consumers are embracing for acne-prone skin. She said, 'For sensitive, acne-prone skin, the key isn't just using fewer products—it's about choosing the right ones. This means selecting ingredients that address skin concerns without causing irritation. For instance, consumers choose ingredients like Niacinamide, which can soothe inflammation and regulate oil production, while Alpha Arbutin helps fade dark spots gently over time. When used in the right concentration, even active ingredients like Salicylic Acid can cleanse effectively without stripping the skin." Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Time of India
21-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Tea tree oil for hair growth: Benefits, precautions, and how to use it
Tea tree oil is a natural essential oil derived from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree, known for its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial effects. When used correctly, it can help unclog hair follicles, soothe an irritated scalp, reduce dandruff, and create a healthier environment for hair to grow stronger. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now While tea tree oil doesn't directly cause hair to sprout, improving scalp health is a key step toward maintaining fuller, shinier strands. Always dilute tea tree oil with a carrier oil like coconut or almond oil before applying it to your scalp. Benefits of using tea tree oil for hair Clears blocked hair follicles: Tea tree oil naturally cleanses the scalp, removing excess oil, dandruff, and residue that block follicles and hinder hair growth. A healthy scalp environment promotes freer, stronger hair development. Reduces scalp inflammation: It soothes irritation, redness, and inflammation often caused by fungal or bacterial overgrowth, creating a calm base for hair follicles. It soothes irritation, redness, and inflammation often caused by fungal or bacterial overgrowth, creating a calm base for hair follicles. Fights dandruff and fungal build-up: The antifungal and antibacterial properties of tea tree oil combat Malassezia and other microbes, reducing flakiness and itchiness that can damage follicles. The antifungal and antibacterial properties of tea tree oil combat Malassezia and other microbes, reducing flakiness and itchiness that can damage follicles. Boosts blood circulation: Massaging diluted tea tree oil into the scalp may improve blood flow, helping to deliver more nutrients and oxygen to the hair roots. Massaging diluted tea tree oil into the scalp may improve blood flow, helping to deliver more nutrients and oxygen to the hair roots. Strengthens hair roots: By restoring scalp health and reducing inflammation, tea tree oil helps reinforce hair follicles, lowering the chance of breakage and shedding. Tips to use tea tree oil safely There are several ways to safely use tea tree oil for hair growth, depending on your needs and hair type: Mix 2 to 5 drops of tea tree oil with a tablespoon of a carrier oil, such as coconut, almond, or jojoba oil. Gently massage this blend into your scalp, leave it on for 20 to 60 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with a mild shampoo. This can be done once or twice a week. Another easy method is to add 2 to 3 drops of tea tree oil to a small amount of your regular shampoo, just enough for one wash. Massage it into your scalp, leave it on for 3 to 5 minutes, then rinse well. Avoid adding tea tree oil directly to an entire bottle of shampoo, as this can reduce its potency over time. You can also create a soothing hair mask by mixing 2 to 3 drops of tea tree oil with natural ingredients like yogurt, honey, or a deep conditioner. Apply the mask to your scalp and hair, leave it for 20 to 30 minutes, then wash it off. This is ideal for deep nourishment and can be done once a week. For daily scalp relief, prepare a light scalp spray by adding 4 to 5 drops of tea tree oil to 30 ml of water or herbal tea in a spray bottle. Shake well and lightly mist it onto your scalp to reduce itching and refresh your hair between washes. Choose your carrier oil based on your scalp type: Use jojoba oil if you have an oily scalp, coconut or olive oil for dry scalps, and almond oil for normal hair. Precautions to consider before using tea tree oil Never apply undiluted tea tree oil directly to the scalp. It can burn, irritate, or cause allergic reactions. It can burn, irritate, or cause allergic reactions. Perform a patch test before using. Apply diluted oil on your inner arm, wait 12-24 hours to check for sensitivity. If reaction occurs, discontinue use. before using. Apply diluted oil on your inner arm, wait 12-24 hours to check for sensitivity. If reaction occurs, discontinue use. Avoid use if you have eczema, sensitive skin, or a known allergy to plants of the myrtle family. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult a doctor before use. Also read |
New York Post
05-07-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Expert reveals why you should never go to bed with wet hair
Sleeping with wet hair could lead to unexpected problems. Skin and hair experts agree that going to bed before drying your hair can lead to troublesome scalp issues — and even hidden bacteria in your bedsheets. Advertisement Briana Delvecchio, a hairstylist at Ashley Lauren Beauty Lounge in New York, shared in an interview with Fox News Digital that she always advises her clients against sleeping with wet hair for several reasons. When hair is wet, the hydrogen bonds in the strands are temporarily broken, making it more elastic, fragile, and prone to breakage, she cautioned. 'Combine that with friction from your pillowcase, and it's a recipe for split ends, tangles, and long-term damage,' Delvecchio said. The scalp 'also takes a hit,' she added, as a damp scalp trapped against a pillow overnight creates a warm, humid environment that's ideal for fungal growth and bacterial buildup. Advertisement 'This can trigger scalp irritation or dandruff, or even make your roots feel greasy by morning,' the hairstylist warned. 3 Skin and hair experts agree that going to bed before drying your hair can lead to troublesome scalp issues — and even hidden bacteria in your bedsheets. alfa27 – Sleeping with wet hair can also impact facial skin. 'That moisture transfers to your pillowcase, which can harbor bacteria and oil that contribute to breakouts or flare-ups in sensitive skin,' Delvecchio noted. Dr. Noah Gratch, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York, told Fox News Digital in a separate interview that he also recommends against sleeping with wet hair. 'While it's not dangerous, there are dermatologic and hair health concerns associated with the habit,' he said. Advertisement Friction against the pillow can exacerbate damage to fragile wet hair, leading to breakage and shedding over time, the dermatologist warned. 3 'Combine that with friction from your pillowcase, and it's a recipe for split ends, tangles, and long-term damage,' hairstylist Briana Delvecchio said. Svitlana – The damp environment can also contribute to scalp and skin issues, he agreed. 'A constantly damp scalp creates a warm, moist environment that can promote the overgrowth of Malassezia, a yeast that naturally lives on the scalp but can proliferate under these conditions,' Gratch said. Advertisement 'This may contribute to scalp conditions, such as seborrheic dermatitis (a chronic inflammatory skin condition) or dandruff.' Start your day with all you need to know Morning Report delivers the latest news, videos, photos and more. Thanks for signing up! Enter your email address Please provide a valid email address. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Never miss a story. Check out more newsletters Sleeping with wet hair also increases the risk of developing folliculitis – a skin condition that causes irritation, inflammation, and bumps – or fungal infections in people with 'already compromised skin barriers or oily scalps,' Gratch said. The dermatologist reiterated that moisture trapped on the pillowcase can harbor bacteria, fungi, and dust mites. 3 Sleeping with wet hair also increases the risk of developing folliculitis – a skin condition that causes irritation, inflammation, and bumps – or fungal infections in people with 'already compromised skin barriers or oily scalps,' Dr. Noah Gratch said. Pixel-Shot – 'Prolonged skin contact with this moisture may contribute to acne flare-ups, particularly fungal acne, or exacerbate existing skin conditions like eczema,' he warned. To avoid these complications, Delvecchio recommends towel-drying the hair and using a leave-in conditioner to protect the strands before bed, in addition to blow-drying on low heat or loosely braiding the hair once it's mostly dry. 'A simple routine swap goes a long way toward keeping your hair, scalp, and skin healthy,' she added.
Hindustan Times
22-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Dandruff or fungal infection? Doctor shares how to spot the difference
Dandruff is a common scalp woe, but surprisingly, not every flake is what it seems. Many may dismiss dandruff as just a haircare misstep, but it may also point to a more serious scalp issue, like a fungal infection. It's easy to mix them up, but by understanding the key differences, one can get the right diagnosis and treatment before the problem worsens. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr BL Jangid, Dermatologist, Hair Transplant Surgeon at SkinQure Clinic, New Delhi, outlined the key differences between dandruff and fungal scalp infections. Don't dismiss particles in your hair as just dandruff, because the treatment may differ.(Shutterstock) ALSO READ: Can you get rid of dandruff permanently? Dermatologist answers Pointing out how alike they can sometimes look, he explained, "To the casual eye, dandruff looks like a dusting across the hair and shoulders, while strands catch the light and show tiny piles resting on the skin. But sometimes, dandruff can also be something else. Because dandruff and fungal infections look so alike, both itch, flake, and leave the scalp feeling uncomfortable, many people mistake one for the other. Yet knowing which problem is what really matters, because the underlying trigger can be different and the best way to treat it may change." It is vital to tell them apart, as Dr Jangid also reminded, that the treatments are different. For fungal infections, doctors prescribe antifungal medication, not just any dandruff shampoo. Dr BL Jangid simplified the differences with the help of a comprehensive guide, outlining the key distinctions along with signs that may indicate the need for a dermatologist visit. Here's the guide he shared: What is dandruff? Dandruff, in contrast to a healthy scalp, looks like a dusting across the parting and shoulders, tiny white or yellowish flakes that shed easily on the shoulders. (Shutterstock) Dandruff itself is a widespread scalp nuisance that causes loose white or light yellow flakes to drift off the head. Its roots vary. Skin that is too oily or too dry, sensitivity to shampoos or gels, and even that same Malassezia yeast living on everyone up there, which, in some people, sparks mild inflammation. So while the fungus sits on most scalps without fuss, it can provoke symptoms in the unlucky few and snow-balling flakes follow. What is a fungal scalp infection? It may itch, yet the urge tends to stay faint, stopping short of the full-body scratching seen with deeper infections. Fungal infections on the scalp, most often tinea capitis or scalp ringworm, grow when dermatophytes-small, skin-loving fungi-take hold in the skin, hair, and follicles. As the fungus spreads, the scalp can turn very red, flake or crust over, lose hair in patches, and, in severe cases, swell or fill with pus. Unlike ordinary dandruff, a fungal infection can pass from one person to another and tends to show up more in kids, although grown-ups catch it, too. Because of this, treatment usually requires prescription antifungal pills or ointments that a doctor writes, not the over-the-counter products found on a drugstore shelf. What are the key differences between dandruff and fungal scalp infections? A trained dermatologist is still the only person who can give you an official diagnosis, yet a few rough clues may point you toward the right trouble: Flake texture: Ordinary flakes feel dry and drift-free, while fungal scales are thicker, greasier, and cling harder to the skin. Ordinary flakes feel dry and drift-free, while fungal scales are thicker, greasier, and cling harder to the skin. Location and spread: Dandruff sticks almost exclusively to the scalp; a fungus may creep onto the temples, neck, or even the ears. Dandruff sticks almost exclusively to the scalp; a fungus may creep onto the temples, neck, or even the ears. Hair loss: Patchy bald spots show up with infection, but are rare if your scalp problem is just flakes. Patchy bald spots show up with infection, but are rare if your scalp problem is just flakes. Inflammation: Extra redness, swelling, heat, or tenderness usually signals fungus instead of plain dandruff. When to visit a doctor? When these persist for more than a week: Itching Burning Unexplained patches Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
