Closed comedones are a very common skin disorder, occurring in 80% of people. Sometimes, you may feel confused when your stubborn bumps don’t respond to standard treatment for a long time. This can happen due to the fact that you have no Acne at all (or not real acne). Your skin disorder is highly likely related to a fungal infection, which can only worsen with anti-acne medications. It is pretty similar to closed comedones but yet different. Keep on reading to learn more about closed comedones vs Fungal Acne.
Cause and Symptomps of Closed Comedones
Closed comedones usually appear during the pre-teen and teenage years when the sebaceous glands drive crazy. Although, they can also keep showing up in adults with oily skin. Excess sebum and dead cells get trapped within the hair follicle, forming a small bump protruding from the skin. It is not red or inflamed like your typical pimple. Closed comedo usually looks like a flesh-colored dot and feels bumpy to the touch. It happens everywhere on the skin, but the most favorable locations include the chin and forehead.
One of the most effective ways to remove them is a regular extraction. This procedure involves removing all of the unwanted gunk from the pores with the help of special, sterile tools. The dermatologists recommend undergoing this treatment once a month, but usually, it depends on the individual cases. You can schedule an appointment with your esthetician or learn how to do it on your own to save the budget. Read the article to find many valuable tips before launching DIY SPA day – “How to Do Manual Blackhead Extractions at Home?”
Another powerful method to get rid of annoying comedones is to use skincare products with retinoids and benzoyl peroxide. According to a recent meta-analysis from the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, adapalene 0.1% and benzoyl peroxide 2.5% show positive results in non-inflammatory lesions. Use them at night since these ingredients can increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Cleanse, tone, and moisturize your face first and then apply a skin product with adapalene 0.1% all over the face. After that, dab a thin layer of benzoyl peroxide 2,5% targeting specific areas with comedonal acne.
Best Products for Closed Comedones
Paula’s Choice spot treatment can become a real game-changer for your comedones. It is lightweight and goes perfectly under the moisturizer. The gel is powered by 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide, removes dead cells, and dries excess oil. It also kills P. acnes bacteria underneath the skin and prevents future comedonal acne from reoccurring. We also would like to emphasize that this product is rich in soothing ingredients, such as Bisabolol and Allantoin. They reduce irritation and make it possible to use this gel by people with sensitive skin.
Adapalene, also called Differin, is a topical retinoid with FDA approval for acne treatment. When applied to the skin, it increases cell turnover, keeping pores clear and open for better penetration of other acne medications. Like other retinoids, adapalene doesn’t provide you with a quick result. Be patient and give it time. During the first three weeks, your comedonal acne may seem to get worse before it gets better. Full improvement should be seen within three months if you use it regularly.
Causes and Symptoms of Fungal Acne
Fungal acne looks strikingly similar to comedones but has several hidden characteristics by which we can easily differentiate them. First of all, fungal acne is caused by the fungus Malassezia, and these are the same microorganisms that induce dermatitis and dandruff. In general, these little creatures are a normal part of the skin biome, but when there are too many of them, problems arise.
Another important distinguishing feature is that fungal acne tends to appear in clusters of small whiteheads on the forehead or chest. They are all about the same shape and size. You can’t easily squeeze them out, even with special instruments for extractions. Finally, If your pimples are really caused by a fungal infection, you will constantly scratch them. It is annoying and should give you a red flag to start treatment.
Best Product for Fungal Acne
Nizoral is not a regular gel cleanser. It is an anti-dandruff shampoo with powerful ingredients aimed at destroying the cell membrane of the fungus and preventing it from replication. You might be surprised but most dermatologists recommend this product as an effective replacement for a face wash for people with fungal breakouts. All you have to do is lather it up and apply it to your wet face. Leave the product for about five minutes to give it contact time to work. Then wash it off and follow your usual beauty routine. The full effect takes place two weeks after the regular application.
Take-Home Points: Closed Comedones vs Fungal Acne
- Fungal acne is itchy. Comedones don’t bother you at all.
- Bacteria causes closed comedones, whereas fungus causes fungal acne.
- While comedonal acne can appear as a lonely little bump, fungal acne shows up as a group of tiny whiteheads.
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