1
Tell us what's going on
Upload a few clear photos and answer a short set of questions. A board-certified dermatologist reviews everything and confirms what's most likely happening.
Fungal Acne
Tiny, itchy bumps that won't go away.
Clear the bumps.
Get care from a board-certified dermatologist familiar with fungal acne. You'll get a real diagnosis and a treatment plan, including a prescription when it's clinically appropriate, to clear the bumps and keep them from coming back.
Fungal acne almost always relapses without an ongoing routine. Kyn Care covers prescription access when clinically appropriate, follow-ups, and doctor-guided maintenance so you are not starting over every flare.
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A yeast condition that looks like acne
Malassezia folliculitis is an inflammatory infection of the hair follicle caused by Malassezia, a yeast that lives on nearly all human skin. When the local environment shifts, the yeast can overgrow inside the follicle and trigger an immune response. The result is a cluster of small, often itchy bumps people mistake for acne.
Standard acne treatments do not target yeast and often make fungal acne worse. Many of them also contain ingredients Malassezia feeds on. Years of misdiagnosis is the rule, not the exception.
The fix is straightforward once it's named: an antifungal that actually targets Malassezia, paired with a routine that doesn't feed it.
Signs you might have fungal acne
- Uniform small bumps that look almost identical
- Itchiness, especially after sweating
- Breakouts on the forehead, hairline, jawline, chest, or upper back
- Acne treatments (benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics) made it worse
- Flares with heat, humidity, or after antibiotic courses
How online care works
Start a Kynsultation anytime, anywhere, in three simple steps.
2
Get a plan that makes sense
You'll receive a written treatment plan with prescriptions if needed, routine guidance that won't work against your skin, and a realistic timeline for what to expect.
3
Keep it under control
Fungal acne, seb derm, dandruff, and tinea versicolor can come back. Your plan can adjust as your skin responds, with check-ins built in so you're not figuring it out alone.
How we treat fungal acne
Your provider reviews your photos and intake, confirms the diagnosis, and prescribes a topical antifungal (e.g., ketoconazole) where needed. From there, the treatment plan covers the routine that keeps the yeast in check long-term, not just clearing the current flare.
Treatments a dermatologist may consider
Ketoconazole
Antifungal cream 2%
Azelaic Acid
Post-bump tone support
A full plan may pair antifungal clearance with a Malassezia-safe routine, then add tone or texture support after bumps settle. Your clinician decides what's right for your skin. Not every plan includes a prescription.
Learn more about ketoconazole and how clinicians think about antifungal treatment.
Your visit covers a diagnosis and treatment plan from a board-certified dermatologist, whether or not a prescription is appropriate. Any medication is filled at the pharmacy you choose and billed there.
Common questions about fungal acne
How is fungal acne different from regular acne?
Fungal acne is a yeast infection of the hair follicle. Regular acne is driven by sebum, dead skin, and bacteria. Fungal acne shows as small, uniform, often itchy bumps that don't respond to typical acne treatments.
Why do my acne products make it worse?
Most acne products and moisturizers contain fatty acids and oils that Malassezia feeds on (the C11 to C24 range). Apply them to colonized skin and the yeast has more fuel.
Will it come back after treatment?
Often, yes. Malassezia is a normal part of human skin, so the goal is balance, not eradication. The recurring plans cover ongoing maintenance so you stay clear after the first round.
What does the prescription typically cover?
If your provider decides a prescription is the right call, that typically means a topical antifungal (e.g., ketoconazole) applied as a short-contact wash or cream on affected areas.
Do I need a video call or in-person visit?
No video call needed. Every consultation starts async: a written intake plus photos, with a clinician reply usually within 48 hours. If you'd rather speak live, you can request a video call from your dashboard for an extra $15. If your clinician needs more photos to diagnose, that can add a day or two.
Ready to actually treat it?
Submit your intake, get a written diagnosis from a board-certified dermatologist, and start a treatment plan that targets the actual cause.
Get your KynsultationKyn Skyn provides non-emergency dermatology care to US residents 18 and older in states where our clinicians are licensed. This is not a substitute for emergency care. For a medical emergency, call 911. A prescription is issued only when a clinician determines it is appropriate, and individual results vary.