Savannah Showers: Humidity Brewing Skin Yeast?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

November 10, 2025

The air in Savannah hangs heavy, thick with humidity. It’s beautiful, yes, but it also breeds a particular kind of skin frustration that many residents know all too well: Malassezia folliculitis, often mistaken for stubborn acne. This isn’t your teenage years revisited; it’s a yeast infection of the hair follicles, and Savannah’s climate is practically an incubator for it. Let’s ditch the generic skincare advice and dive into a practical guide tailored for those of us battling this fungal foe in the Hostess City.

First, let’s play detective. How do you know if you’re dealing with Malassezia folliculitis and not just regular acne?

• Location, Location, Location: Malassezia loves the chest, back, and upper arms. While acne can appear there, it’s more common on the face.
• The Itch Factor: Malassezia is often intensely itchy, while acne is usually just painful or inflamed.
• Uniformity is Key: The bumps in Malassezia folliculitis tend to be the same size and shape, almost like tiny, raised dots. Acne is more varied, with whiteheads, blackheads, and cysts all making an appearance.
• Oil Slick: Malassezia thrives in oily environments. If your skin feels excessively oily, even after cleansing, suspect yeast.

Now, let’s talk treatment. Forget the fancy, expensive serums for a moment. We’re going to focus on affordable, over-the-counter solutions you can find at your local Savannah pharmacies like CVS on Abercorn Street or Walgreens on Broughton.

• Antifungal Cleansers: Look for cleansers containing ketoconazole or selenium sulfide. Nizoral shampoo (ketoconazole) can be used as a body wash a few times a week. Selsun Blue (selenium sulfide) is another option. Leave the cleanser on your skin for 5-10 minutes before rinsing. This allows the antifungal ingredients to penetrate the follicles.
• Topical Antifungals: Clotrimazole cream, often used for athlete’s foot, can be applied directly to the affected areas. Apply a thin layer twice a day after cleansing.
• Benzoyl Peroxide (with caution): While benzoyl peroxide is a common acne treatment, it can sometimes help with Malassezia by reducing oil production. However, it can also be drying and irritating, which can worsen the condition in some cases. Start with a low concentration (2.5%) and use it sparingly.
• Salicylic Acid: This can help exfoliate the skin and prevent clogged pores, which can contribute to Malassezia growth. Look for a salicylic acid body wash or a leave-on treatment.

A common mistake is to only treat the symptoms and not address the underlying cause. Malassezia thrives in warm, humid environments. So, what can you do in Savannah to combat this?

• Shower Immediately After Sweating: Whether you’ve been strolling through Forsyth Park or working out at a local gym, shower as soon as possible to remove sweat and oil.
• Wear Loose-Fitting Clothing: Tight clothing traps heat and moisture, creating a breeding ground for yeast. Opt for breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
• Change Your Bedding Regularly: Your sheets can harbor yeast and bacteria. Wash them at least once a week in hot water.
• Consider an Antifungal Laundry Detergent: If you’re prone to Malassezia, using an antifungal laundry detergent can help prevent reinfection from your clothes and bedding.
• Diet Matters: While not a direct cause, a diet high in sugar and processed foods can contribute to inflammation and potentially worsen skin conditions. Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.

Let’s talk about a specific scenario: You’re a student at SCAD, constantly on the go, and sweating while lugging around art supplies. What’s your plan?

1. Pack Antifungal Wipes: Keep a pack of antifungal wipes in your bag to cleanse your skin after class or when you can’t shower immediately.
2. Choose Breathable Fabrics: Opt for loose-fitting cotton clothing that allows your skin to breathe.
3. Shower at the Fitness Center: If you work out at the SCAD fitness center, shower immediately afterward.
4. Use Nizoral as a Body Wash: Keep a bottle of Nizoral in your shower and use it as a body wash a few times a week.

Another challenge is differentiating Malassezia from other skin conditions like pityrosporum ovale, which can cause dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. These conditions are related, as they all involve the same yeast, but they manifest differently. If you’re unsure, consult a dermatologist.

Here’s a step-by-step skincare routine tailored for Savannah’s humidity:

1. Cleanse: Use an antifungal cleanser like Nizoral or Selsun Blue. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing.
2. Treat: Apply a thin layer of clotrimazole cream to affected areas.
3. Moisturize (if needed): If your skin feels dry, use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer.
4. Protect: Wear loose-fitting clothing and shower immediately after sweating.

Don’t fall into the trap of over-exfoliating. While exfoliation can help, doing it too often can irritate your skin and worsen Malassezia. Limit exfoliation to once or twice a week.

Remember, consistency is key. It may take several weeks to see improvement. If your symptoms don’t improve after a few weeks of over-the-counter treatment, see a dermatologist. They may prescribe stronger antifungal medications or recommend other treatments.

Finally, be patient. Malassezia folliculitis can be a persistent condition, especially in a humid climate like Savannah. But with the right approach and a consistent skincare routine, you can keep it under control and enjoy the beauty of the Hostess City without the skin frustrations. Don’t let a little yeast ruin your stroll down River Street.