“‘Fungal zits’ is definitely not zits in any respect however quite a sort of folliculitis (irritation of the hair follicle) that outcomes when yeast turns into trapped within hair follicles, resulting in acneiform pustules and nodules,” board-certified dermatologist Rebecca Marcus, M.D., FAAD tells mbg. 

Right here’s tips on how to spot the distinction: “Pityrosporum folliculitis manifest as small purple bumps centered round hair follicles,” Marcus explains. “Not like typical zits, fungal folliculitis can itch.”

The realm can even aid you decipher if it is zits or folliculitis: “The breakouts are mostly seen on the chest, again, posterior arms and face,” board-certified dermatologist Lian Mack, M.D., FAAD notes.

If you happen to can’t inform (it isn’t at all times straightforward), go to your dermatologist. “Within the setting of an workplace go to, a board-certified dermatology can even carry out a scraping of the pores and skin and look underneath the microscope which reveals the organism,” Mack says.