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What Is Propionibacterium Acnes?

This bacteria is a somewhat slow growing microorganism. It is present on the skin of almost every person on the Earth. Propionibacterium acnes is one of the bacteria implicated in Acne Vulgaris (acne, pimples, zits).

This microbe is a element of the microbes that survive on the skin of each and every person in the world. This germ consumes the fatty acids secreted by the oil glands in the pores. Previous to teenage years there is less oil expressed, explaining the bond between teenage years and acne. Propionibacterium acnes expresses propionic acid as its major metabolite. Propionibacterium acnes has also been located in the heart and joints, rarely causing heart damage or joint damage. Because it feeds on these oils, and these oils can block pores, proper skin hygiene is imperative as part of an acne prevention habit.

When this particular germ overgrows, the propionic acid it exudes, and other chemicals it creates break down the skin. This lets added bacteria that naturally live on the skin to infect the pore and give rise to an infection. It normally grows too rapidly in pores that have been blocked off (comdones). Comdones can either be open which is called a blackhead, or stopped up which is called a whitehead. These inflammatory lesions are what most people call acne.

These pathogens can be killed by benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, antibacterial preparations including clove oil, and ultraviolet and near ultraviolet light. It is also sensitive to ultraviolet light, especially near ultraviolet. Fascinatingly, Propionibacterium acnes glows when exposed to particular wavelengths of ultraviolet (Wood's light). Short term light therapy can be used to control Propionibacterium acnes. In particular powerful violet light.

By: Gary DeWitt

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