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 →What is fungal acne — and why monsoon triggers it
Fungal acne (properly Malassezia folliculitis) is caused by a yeast that lives on everyone's skin. In Dhaka's monsoon — 80% humidity, sweat, damp clothes — that yeast overgrows in the hair follicles and produces small, itchy, uniform bumps, usually on the forehead, hairline, chest, back and shoulders.
Fungal acne vs regular acne
| Fungal acne | Regular (bacterial) acne | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Small, same-size, uniform bumps | Varied — whiteheads, blackheads, big pimples |
| Feel | Itchy | Usually not itchy |
| Where | Forehead, hairline, chest, back | Face, jaw |
| Triggers | Heat, sweat, humidity, oils | Hormones, clogged pores |
If your "acne" is itchy, uniform and got worse in the monsoon, treat it as fungal.
How to treat fungal acne
- Anti-fungal wash — a shampoo with ketoconazole (or selenium sulfide / zinc pyrithione) used as a body/face wash 2–3x a week: lather, leave 3–5 minutes, rinse. This is the core treatment.
- Stop feeding the yeast — Malassezia eats oils/fatty acids, so avoid heavy oils and rich creams and use light, oil-free products. Niacinamide and centella are safe.
- Stay dry — change out of sweaty/wet clothes immediately, shower after sweating, wear loose cotton.
For products that will not feed it, see the fungal-acne-safe products guide.
Prevent it during the rains
- Light, oil-free routine (see the monsoon routine).
- Rinse skin exposed to rain/sweat; do not sit in damp clothes.
- Do not over-moisturise with heavy creams.
See a dermatologist if it is widespread or keeps coming back — stubborn cases may need an oral anti-fungal.
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