How Is Acne Related To Bacteria?

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During the course of my research on acne, I have been forced to change my opinion on several previously held beliefs, chief among them the firm conviction that bacteria cause acne. Now that I know better, it is easy to laugh airily at my earlier naiveté. However, I am amazed at how many people I speak to believe that acne is directly related to bacteria. So I’m doing my good deed for the day by telling you that there is no direct link between acne and bacteria.

Yes, there is a bacterium – first name Propionbacterium and last name acnes (P. Acnes, in short) – that lives in all skin types and is harmless on its own. However, the problem begins when a follicle is clogged. P. Acnes really comes into its own and starts breeding at an alarming rate under such conditions. As it breeds, it causes chemical changes that cause acne eruptions.

After the initial redness and swelling, the white blood cells start attacking the bacteria and try to get them out of your system, causing pustules. See, you’ll know what I mean when I point out that not a single acne remedy recommends that you kill P. Acnes in order to enjoy an acne-free existence. Rather, what you are asked to do is keep the follicles free by cleansing the pores and take steps to decrease sebum production. So it’s no point blaming the bacteria for something that it doesn’t do.

And now for some further good news: in 2004, European scientists sequenced the complete genome of P. Acnes, and even as you read this, research is on to find new treatments based on the new knowledge. “We have identified this target, and we want to see if we can block its enzymes that degrade tissues, and also block enzymes that interact with the immune system,” said Holger Brüggemann, lead author of a report on the sequencing, back in the July 30 issue of Science magazine. Cheers Holger!