Phony Acne Causes Needless Scarring in Men

Those bumpy, puss-filled, red, round things on your back...they are acne lesions right? Maybe not. You might call them "Pityrosporum folliculitis" instead.

Pityrosporum folliculitis is a fungal infection provoked by excess amounts of a yeast known as Pityrosporum orbicular. Papules and pustules on the chest, back and shoulders often characterize Pityrosporum folliculitis. The condition mostly affects young men and some adults over age 40.

Pityrosporum orbicular yeasts thrive in wet, hot environments which is why this condition commonly afflicts athletes.

Treatments for Pityrosporuym included exfoliating shampoos that contain 2-5% selenium sulfide or ketoconazole. These active ingredients are found in most dandruff shampoos. Doctors can also prescribe topical and oral anti-fungal treatments.

Yet, since patients typically treat the condition like acne, understandably because the lesions look like acne, Pityrosporum folliculitis often results in extensive bodily scarring and skin damage. Excessive amounts of the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes can provoke skin inflammation and acne lesions, but it is an overabundance of Pityrosporum orbicular yeast that induce Pityrosporum folliculitis.

Properly treating acne and Pityrosporum folliculitis can prevent extensive bodily scarring that can result from uncontrolled bacterial or fungal infections.

By performing a simple microbe analysis, your doctor or health practitioner can decide if your body pustules and papules are fungi or bacteria induced and then help you determine the best way to control the condition.

For an at-home treatment, you can use OTC dandruff shampoos because the active ingredients in these substances treat yeast over population and are also indicated for potentially scarring conditions of the skin like seborrheic dermatitis.

Finally, determining whether or not you have Pityrosporum folliculitis is important because in some cases this condition may forewarn of an underling immunological disorder.

Naweko San-Joyz founded Noixia [www.Noixia.com]- a self-service image makeover firm that develops custom acne scar removal products for the face and body [www.Noixia.com]. San-Joyz has authored several books and articles that focus on do-it-yourself beauty makeovers including Acne Messages: Crack the code of your zits and say goodbye to acne and Skinny Fat Chicks: Why we’re still not getting this dieting thing. San-Joyz lives and works in San Diego, California.