What should I eat to get rid of fungal acne?: A Nutritional Guide

October 27, 2025 •

4 min read

Fungal acne, or Malassezia folliculitis, is caused by an overgrowth of yeast, not bacteria. This means that conventional acne treatments often fail, and dietary changes play a vital role. This guide answers the question: What should I eat to get rid of fungal acne? by exploring foods that support a balanced microbiome and inhibit yeast growth.

Quick Summary

An effective dietary strategy for managing fungal acne focuses on minimizing high-sugar foods and refined carbohydrates that feed yeast. The approach promotes a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, healthy fats, and probiotics to help balance the skin's microbiome and reduce flare-ups.

Key Points

Starve the Yeast: Eliminate high-sugar foods and refined carbohydrates, as they are the primary fuel source for Malassezia yeast.
Embrace Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Incorporate foods rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, like fatty fish, berries, and leafy greens, to reduce systemic inflammation.
Heal Your Gut: Consume fermented foods and probiotics to restore a healthy gut microbiome, which is strongly linked to skin health.
Limit Certain Dairy and Yeast Products: Reduce intake of high-lactose dairy and foods containing brewer's yeast, as they can sometimes exacerbate symptoms.
Prioritize Nutrient-Dense Foods: Focus on lean proteins, non-starchy vegetables, and healthy oils to provide the body with essential nutrients for clear skin.
Stay Consistent: A dietary change is most effective when consistent. Patience and sustained effort are key to seeing improvements in fungal acne over time.
Supplement Lifestyle with Hygiene: Combine your anti-fungal diet with good hygiene practices, such as showering after sweating and wearing breathable fabrics.

Fungal acne, clinically known as Malassezia folliculitis, is a common but often misunderstood skin condition. Unlike typical acne caused by bacteria (Cutibacterium acnes), fungal acne results from an overgrowth of the Malassezia yeast that naturally lives on your skin. This yeast flourishes in warm, moist environments and feeds on lipids, or skin oils, and certain dietary factors can exacerbate this issue. While topical treatments are essential, modifying your diet is a powerful tool for controlling the internal environment and starving the yeast from the inside out.

The Gut-Skin Connection and Malassezia

Recent scientific understanding highlights a strong link between your gut microbiome and your skin health, known as the 'gut-skin axis'. When the gut microbiome is imbalanced, it can trigger inflammatory responses throughout the body, including the skin. For fungal acne, an imbalance can allow Malassezia to flourish. The foods you consume directly influence the health and diversity of your gut flora. By making strategic dietary choices, you can create an internal environment that is less hospitable to yeast overgrowth and more supportive of clear, healthy skin.

Foods to Eliminate to Control Yeast Overgrowth

An anti-fungal diet primarily focuses on restricting the foods that fuel yeast growth. This means avoiding or significantly reducing your intake of high-sugar and high-carbohydrate items.

Added and Refined Sugars: Malassezia yeast, like other fungi, feeds on sugar. Eliminating items like sugary sodas, candies, processed desserts, and table sugar is crucial.
Refined Carbohydrates: Simple carbs, including white bread, pasta, pastries, and baked goods, quickly convert to sugar in the body and should be limited. Choose whole-grain, gluten-free alternatives instead.
Certain Dairy Products: Some individuals find that high-lactose dairy products can contribute to yeast overgrowth and increase inflammation. Consider reducing milk and soft cheeses, though fermented options like unsweetened yogurt or kefir may be beneficial for their probiotic content.
Yeast-Containing Foods: For some, reducing intake of foods containing brewer's yeast, such as beer, pizza dough, and baked goods, may help calm symptoms.
Vinegar (except Apple Cider Vinegar): Most vinegars, like those in ketchup or mayonnaise, are produced through fermentation. While research is mixed, some sources suggest they can encourage yeast growth. Apple cider vinegar, however, has antifungal properties and can be included in dressings.
Processed and Fried Foods: These foods are often high in unhealthy fats and sugar, and low in nutrients, which can contribute to systemic inflammation and gut imbalance.

Foods to Add for a Fungal Acne-Friendly Diet

Fortunately, many delicious and nutritious foods support a balanced microbiome and help fight inflammation and yeast overgrowth.

Low-Sugar Fruits: Berries (strawberries, blueberries), green apples, and citrus fruits like lemon and lime are high in antioxidants and have a lower sugar content.
Non-Starchy Vegetables: Load up on cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and kale, as well as leafy greens, bell peppers, and cucumbers. These are nutrient-dense and low in carbs.
Lean Protein: Opt for high-quality protein sources like chicken, turkey, and fish. Wild-caught fatty fish such as salmon and sardines are particularly beneficial for their omega-3 content.
Healthy Fats and Oils: Incorporate healthy fats from avocados, olive oil, and coconut oil. Coconut oil contains caprylic acid, a fatty acid with natural antifungal properties.
Probiotics and Fermented Foods: Introduce beneficial bacteria to your gut with unsweetened yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, or kimchi. These can help restore a healthy balance and reduce inflammation.
Anti-inflammatory Herbs and Spices: Use garlic, ginger, and turmeric in your cooking. Garlic and turmeric, in particular, possess notable anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties.

Sample Meal Plan for Fungal Acne


Meal	Fungal Acne-Friendly Options	Typical Alternative (To Avoid)
Breakfast	Scrambled eggs with spinach and avocado, or unsweetened kefir with a handful of berries and almonds.	Sugary cereal with milk, pancakes with syrup, or white toast with jam.
Lunch	Grilled chicken breast salad with mixed greens, cucumber, tomatoes, and an olive oil vinaigrette.	White pasta with a cream-based sauce, a sandwich on white bread, or processed deli meats.
Dinner	Wild-caught salmon baked with garlic and herbs, served with roasted broccoli and quinoa.	Pizza, burgers on white buns, or heavily processed frozen meals.
Snack	Handful of almonds and sunflower seeds, or a green apple with a sprinkle of cinnamon.	Pretzels, chocolate, or a sugary granola bar.
Drink	Filtered water, unsweetened herbal tea, or coconut water.	Sugary sodas, fruit juice, or alcohol (especially beer).

Additional Lifestyle Tips for Managing Fungal Acne

While diet is a key factor, a comprehensive approach is always best for managing fungal acne.

Maintain Good Hygiene: Shower immediately after sweating and use a body wash with antifungal properties, such as one containing ketoconazole or pyrithione zinc.
Choose Breathable Fabrics: Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing to reduce moisture trapped against the skin.
Consult a Dermatologist: A proper diagnosis is crucial. A dermatologist can confirm if your condition is indeed fungal acne and recommend an appropriate treatment plan that may include topical antifungal medications.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps support overall skin health and the body's detoxification processes.

Conclusion

Making targeted changes to your diet can significantly impact the health of your skin and help address the root cause of fungal acne. By prioritizing whole, anti-inflammatory foods and reducing sources of sugar and refined carbs, you can create an internal environment that prevents Malassezia overgrowth. Remember that a balanced diet works synergistically with good hygiene and proper medical care. Integrating these nutritional and lifestyle adjustments can lead to a reduction in fungal acne flare-ups and contribute to clearer, calmer skin. For personalized advice, consider consulting a healthcare professional or registered dietitian. For more information on skin and gut health, visit the NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, while diet can be highly effective in managing and reducing flare-ups, it is not a sole cure. A holistic approach that includes good hygiene and, in many cases, topical or oral antifungal treatments recommended by a dermatologist is necessary for best results.

The timeline can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the condition. Many people begin to notice improvements within a few weeks of consistently following a low-sugar and anti-inflammatory diet. It may take longer to see significant or full clearance.

Fermented foods like unsweetened yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut are generally beneficial. They contain probiotics, which help restore a healthy gut microbiome. However, fermented drinks like beer, which contain yeast and sugar, should be avoided.

Yes, but focus on low-sugar fruits. Berries, green apples, and citrus fruits are excellent choices. It is recommended to limit high-sugar fruits like bananas, grapes, and mangoes, as their sugar content can feed the yeast.

Some supplements, such as zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics, are believed to support skin health and reduce inflammation. However, you should consult a doctor before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your needs.

The gut-skin axis describes the link between gut microbiome balance and skin health. Imbalances in gut bacteria can lead to inflammation that affects the skin, potentially creating an environment where Malassezia yeast can thrive.

Coconut oil is an excellent choice for cooking due to its natural antifungal properties from caprylic acid. Extra virgin olive oil is also a healthy option. Avoid processed vegetable oils and fats.