Will a culture test rule out fungal infection?

[TidyCarpet]

Hello everybody. A short introduction: I've had acne through ages 14-18, but at 18 it ceased as I stopped using cleansers and such (I guess my condition was highly aggravated by those products). A few months afterwards, I had a sudden onset of acne quite different from anything prior: different areas affected, the lesions were different etc. I also developed Sebborhoeic Dermatitis concurrently.

I'm suspecting the sudden onset is caused by Malassezia. My derm wants me to do a culture test, but he doesn't suspect a fungal infection.. Will the culture test rule out a fungal infection or will it only discover bacteria? Should I ask my derm for a different test regarding my suspicions?

Thanks!

[earthangel2017]

Know exactly how you feel. Am certain my acne is also caused by a chronic yeast infection (as I'm a female who also has continual vaginal thrush during the last 2 years). As well as this, both of my big toenails totally fell off within a month of each other just over a year ago AND the same toe on either foot also has a fungal infection. Granted, we aren't dermatologists or doctors but I am of the believe that NO- ONE knows your skin better than you and my recent breakouts are DEFINITELY a combination of hormonal acne and acne caused by Malassezia (also known as Malassezia  Folliculitis which is often misdiagnosed as acne vulgaris, to the detriment of the sufferer) as opposed to P. Acnes. I would say from the fact that you're also presently suffering with Sebborhoeic Dermatitis (which I'm sure you know is also caused by Malassezia ), it is highly likely that your acne is also as a result of yeast overgrowth and I am sure that a culture test will establish the cause once and for all. I am not a dermatologist but from what I have read (and I've spent the last year reading extensively), using acne normal acne treatments will make your acne worse if it is indeed yeast and not bacteria causing it. So if I was you, I would discuss the risks of exacerbating your breakout with your dermatologist who should instruct you to refrain from using products designed for acne vulgaris (as most skin professionals concur with it doing more harm than good if it's Malassezia  responsible and NOT bacteria). You're at a greater advantage than me as my GP won't even ACKNOWLEDGE that acne can be caused by yeast and not just bacteria!! Have been given another load of antibiotics and as I believed, takin them for over 2 weeks has just made my skin worse. I would request a culture test to either rule out or confirm whether it is yeast or bacteria. Hope my response helps, good luck!