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ACNE - ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS THAT WORK!
Propionibacterium Acnes and Microbiological Identification:
Propionibacterium acnes is the most common gram-positive, non-spore forming, anaerobic (lives without oxygen) rod-shaped bacterium encountered in clinical specimens. P. acnes typically grows as an obligate anaerobe, however, some strains are aerotolerant,(meaning they can survive in the presence of oxygen)but still show better growth as an anaerobe. It has the ability to produce propionic acid, as its name suggests. It also has the ability to produce catalase along with indole, nitrate, or both indole and nitrate. Propionibacterium resembles Corynebacterium in morphology and arrangement, but is non-toxigenic. P. acnes is the causative agent of acne vulgaris (pimples). It is a common resident of the pilosebaceous glands (oil secreting glands around the hair follicles) of the human skin. The bacteria release lipases (enzymes which biochemically break down fat) to digest a surplus of the skin oil, sebum, that has been produced. The combination of digestive products (fatty acids) and bacterial antigens stimulates an intense local inflammation that bursts the hair follicle.
Then, a lesion forms on the surface of the skin in the form of a pustule (Whitehead). Since acne is caused in part from an infection, it can be suppressed with topical and oral antibiotics such as clindamycin, erythromycin, or tetracycline. Some other forms of therapy include chemicals that enhance skin removal (i.e. benzoyl peroxide) or slow the production of sebum (Retin A and Accutane). How is Propionibacterium Acnes Transmitted?Its not normally...its one of the normal flora found on human skin...although it has been found to contaminate blood supplies in blood banks. It becomes a problem most commonly when the large surge in hormones at puberty allow it to overproduce and it basically "gets out of hand"..reproducing at an incredible rate and causing the over-production of sebum (oil) and the resulting inflammation.
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