True Causes of Acne Bacteria
Although the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) lists four key causes of acne, the bacteria that causes acne ("P. acnes") is typically found on everyone's skin and is not caused by any outside source. Acne is produced by a combination of excess oil, clogged pores, bacteria and inflammation.
-
Acne Defined
-
P. acnes bacteria causes acne.
Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Umberto Salvagnin
MedicineNet.com explains that P. acnes bacteria, or Propionbacterium acnes, is a "ubiquitous" protein, meaning it's present in all cells and its amino acid sequence is the same on everything from people to insects.
Origins
-
Human skin requires oils to keep it from drying out.
Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of THomas Hebert
According to the AAD, P. acnes survives in the oil on our skin called sebum, which helps keep skin from drying out. When the sebum doesn't flow freely, it can cause blockages in the pores that lead to inflammation, helping bacteria to thrive and produce acne.
Antibiotics
-
Dermatologists prescribe antibiotic treatment for bacterial acne.
Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Chie Gondo
Bacterial acne is often treated by a dermatologist with oral prescription antibiotics such as erythromycin, tetracycline, minocycline, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, doxycycline, trimethoprim and azithromycin.
Maximizing Treatment
-
Work with your doctor to get the most successful results.
Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Wonderlane
Be proactive to help control acne. The AAD suggests you use only treatments your doctor prescribes and use them exactly as prescribed, cleanse gently to avoid creating inflammation with abrasive scrubs, and always cleanse after perspiring. Also, wait five to 10 minutes after cleansing to use topical treatments and don't pop or squeeze breakouts.
Acne Myths
-
Dermatologists dispel common acne myths.
Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Daniel Lobo
According to AcneNet, the top four acne myths include:
1. Acne must run its course.
2. Acne's really a hygiene problem.
3. Acne's a symptom of a poor diet.
4. Acne's not medical, it's cosmetic.
Acne is a medical problem, caused by a bacteria and treatable with medication.
-
Related Searches
References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Drew Herron Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Umberto Salvagnin Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of THomas Hebert Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Chie Gondo Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Wonderlane Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Daniel Lobo
