Quick answer
Small, itchy, uniform bumps that will not go away in humid weather? That is often fungal acne (Malassezia), not regular acne — and monsoon humidity makes it worse. How to spot it and clear it in Bangladesh.
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Shop acne-care products →The short answer
If the monsoon brings small, same-size, itchy bumps on your forehead, hairline, chest or back that do not respond to regular acne creams, it is often fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis). The core treatment is an anti-fungal shampoo with ketoconazole used as a body or face wash two or three times a week (leave it on for 3–5 minutes, then rinse), cutting out heavy oils and rich creams, and keeping skin dry. If there is no improvement in 3–4 weeks, or it keeps spreading, see a dermatologist.
What fungal acne is, and why the monsoon triggers it
Despite the name, it is not really acne. A yeast called Malassezia lives on everyone’s skin. Given heat, sweat and humidity, it overgrows inside the hair follicles and produces small, itchy bumps.
Dhaka’s monsoon is the ideal setting: very humid air, sweat all day, rain-soaked clothes that never dry, and hours of sitting in those clothes at the office or in class. It shows up even more in people who go to the gym, wear a bike helmet, or wear tight synthetic clothing.
Fungal acne vs regular acne
| Fungal acne | Regular (bacterial) acne | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Small, same-size, uniform bumps, often in clusters | Varied: whiteheads, blackheads, big red pimples |
| Feel | Itchy | Usually not itchy; sore when pressed |
| Where | Forehead, hairline, chest, back, shoulders | Face, jaw, chin |
| Gets worse with | Heat, sweat, humidity, heavy oils | Hormones, clogged pores, stress |
| With regular acne creams | Often no change, sometimes worse | Slowly improves |
If your "acne" itches, the bumps are all roughly the same size, and it gets worse in the rains or after sweating, think fungal. The two can also occur together, so if you are unsure, see a doctor.
How to treat fungal acne
1. Anti-fungal wash: the core treatment
Use a pharmacy anti-dandruff shampoo containing ketoconazole (or selenium sulfide or zinc pyrithione) as a body or face wash on the affected areas:
- Two or three times a week.
- Lather a little on wet skin, leave it on for 3–5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
- On the face, keep it away from the eyes, and try it first on a small patch behind the ear or along the jaw.
- The shampoo can dry skin a little, so follow with a light moisturiser.
For what each shampoo contains and how to read the label, see which anti-dandruff shampoo is best. Scalp dandruff is driven by the same yeast, so treat the scalp too, or it keeps coming back along the forehead and hairline.
2. Stop feeding the yeast
Malassezia feeds on skin oil and certain fatty acids. So for now:
- Avoid heavy oils, balms and rich creams; do not rub coconut or olive oil on your face or chest.
- Use light, oil-free gels or lotions.
- Niacinamide, centella, aloe and hyaluronic acid are generally safe.
The full list of what to avoid is in the fungal-acne-safe products guide.
3. Stay dry
- Change out of sweaty or rain-soaked clothes as soon as you can.
- Shower promptly after the gym or sport.
- Wear loose cotton; tight polyester traps sweat.
- If you ride a bike, wash and dry the helmet lining regularly.
A light routine: what to use
The products below are light, oil-free types. Every skin is different, so read the ingredient list before buying and patch-test anything new. Prices as of 27 September 2026; the product page shows the current price.
| Product | Job | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser | Gentle face wash on non-shampoo days | 20 ml | ৳499 |
| CeraVe SA Body Wash | Body wash that helps with clogged follicles and rough bumps on chest and back | 296 ml | ৳2,899 |
| Bring Green Aloe 97% Soothing Gel | Very light moisturiser, soothing on itchy skin | 300 ml | ৳1,634 |
| Deconstruct Oil-Free Moisturizer | Oil-free moisturiser for oily skin | 50 ml | ৳999 |
| Deconstruct Gel Sunscreen SPF 55+ | Light gel sunscreen | 50 ml | ৳999 |
We do not stock anti-fungal shampoo; it is sold in pharmacies, and a pharmacist or doctor can help you choose. You can browse other options on the verified cleansers page.
Prevention during the rains
- Keep the whole routine light and oil-free. Step by step: the monsoon skincare routine.
- Once it clears, you can keep using the anti-fungal wash once a week through the monsoon so it does not return.
- Do not over-moisturise with heavy creams.
- Wash pillowcases, towels and gym clothes often and dry them in the sun.
- Sweat-driven body breakouts are covered separately in sweat, fungal acne and body breakouts.
Common mistakes
- Self-treating with regular acne creams or antibiotic creams. They do not clear fungal acne and can make it worse.
- Steroid-containing "itch creams". They may bring short-term relief but can feed the fungus; avoid them.
- Picking or scrubbing the bumps. This raises the risk of marks and infection.
- Giving up after a day or two. Improvement usually takes a few weeks of consistent use.
When to see a doctor
- No improvement after 3–4 weeks of regular anti-fungal washing.
- Bumps spreading quickly across face, chest or back, or itching intensely.
- It keeps coming back.
- Pain, pus, fever or large red patches.
- Straight away if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system.
A dermatologist can confirm it with an examination and prescribe what you need. Do not start any oral medicine on your own.
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Frequently asked questions
Why is oily skin more prone to fungal acne?
Oily skin naturally produces more sebum, which the yeast behind fungal acne feeds on, making it more common in humid weather. Lighter, oil-free products can lower the risk.
How can I tell if an anti-fungal shampoo or wash is genuine?
Check the batch number and seal on the bottle, and be cautious if the smell or texture feels different from what you expect. Blurry label print is another warning sign.
Where can I buy an original ketoconazole shampoo in Bangladesh?
Buy from a seller who can show the importer's invoice and batch number for the product. This matters because a diluted or fake version may not actually clear fungal acne.