Fungal acne checker
Fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) is easy to mistake for regular acne, and the two need different treatment. This free checker walks through the signs dermatologists look for, like itching, same-size bumps, and missing blackheads, and tells you which way your answers lean.
8 questionsAbout 2 minutesNothing is saved
Do the bumps itch?
How this quiz works
- Each answer adds points to fungal acne or regular acne, based on the features DermNet and recent reviews describe.
- A clear lead in one direction gives that result. A close score gives a mixed result.
- Only a dermatologist can confirm fungal acne. Nothing you enter is saved or sent anywhere.
Based on: DermNet: Malassezia folliculitis; Malassezia folliculitis review, J Fungi 2025; Fungal acne review, J Drugs Dermatol 2026
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if I have fungal acne?
Fungal acne usually itches, forms small bumps that all look the same, and has no blackheads or whiteheads. It is common on the chest, back, and forehead and often gets worse with heat and sweat. A dermatologist can confirm it with a skin scraping.
Can a fungal acne checker diagnose me?
No. A checker can show whether your symptoms lean toward fungal or regular acne, but only a dermatologist can confirm Malassezia folliculitis, usually by looking at a skin scraping under a microscope.
Why does fungal acne not respond to acne treatment?
Fungal acne is caused by an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast, not clogged pores, so it is treated with antifungals. Acne antibiotics can even make it worse by reducing the bacteria that keep the yeast in check.
Can you have fungal acne and regular acne at the same time?
Yes. Fungal acne is more common in people who already have acne, so some bumps can be fungal while others are regular acne.