What type of pathogen causes pimples

The airless environment causes the bacterium, Propionibacterium acnes, to turn sebum — an oily matter found in the skin — into fatty acids that activate inflammation in nearby skin cells. Once that brake is off, cascades of chemicals are produced by skin cells, aggravating the type of inflammation that causes acne.

Potential therapies are further complicated by the fact that certain strains of P. Gallo says the discovery could also help to explain why some people seem more prone than others to developing acne.

Alternatively, some people might inherit genes that make their skin cells more vulnerable to inflammation from the fatty acids produced by P. Chances are that playing host to the wrong type of bacteria is not the only cause of the condition formally known as acne vulgaris.

Dermatologists have also invoked the role played by hormones, oil glands and clogged pores. Treatments from soaps to prescription antibiotics often target the bacteria in pores. The JID study offers the strongest evidence yet, however, that bacteria play a key role in both causing as well as preventing at least some kinds of acne.

The research team collected samples of bacteria from within the nasal pores by using cleansing strips on 49 acne patients and 52 individuals with healthy skin. They found that a single type of bacteria— Propionibacterium acnes —predominated in the nasal pores of both clear-skinned and acne-prone individuals. To decipher what made the difference, the scientists had to analyze the strains of P. Using select genetic markers, the researchers identified more than 11, strains of P.

Further analysis pinpointed the 10 most common strains, dubbed ribotypes 1 through Six of these strains were strongly associated with unhealthy skin. One strain, ribotype 6, was found only on healthy skin. Because these strains exist as part of a community of bacteria, or microbiome, the researchers next profiled the populations that exist within pores.

They identified five common microbial combinations and found that two, dominated by ribotypes 4 and 5, were found primarily in acne patients. These patterns provided more evidence that different strains of P. The finding should help in the development of future acne treatments.

Our next step will be to investigate whether a probiotic cream can block bad bacteria from invading the skin and prevent pimples before they start. Further studies will look into possible drugs that can eliminate the bad strains of the bacteria whilst at the same time preserving the good strains, as well as assessing whether a simple skin test can effectively predict if someone will develop acne in the future.

Different skin types require different skin care products. Read on to learn more about the best skin care products for each skin type. A look at crepey skin, a common complaint where the skin looks thin and wrinkled.

Learn more about how to prevent and treat this condition. Sebaceous hyperplasia causes small, inflamed bumps to appear on the skin. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options in this article.