Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Cells, Microbes & Viruses => Topic started by: thedoc on 14/07/2012 21:30:01

Title: Might good bacteria be a remedy for acne?
Post by: thedoc on 14/07/2012 21:30:01

Paul Holaren  asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Question for Chris regarding acne treatment:

Could "planting" a good bacteria on your face after an antibiotic treatment prevent future breakouts?

My assumption is that the body's immune system is reacting to a particular type of "bad" bacteria that grows on the face. Otherwise acne would be present on other body parts too (e.g. hands). Also, I'm assuming antibiotics would clear or lower the population of the bad bacteria creating a void that "good" bacteria could fill. A home remedy may be as simple as spreading yogurt on your face.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Paul

What do you think?

Title: Re: Might good bacteria be a remedy for acne?
Post by: chris on 15/07/2012 10:38:12

That's a very good question.

We actually interviewed Julie Segre, author of a comprehensive paper on the "skin metagenome", in 2009. We touched on this very issue in the interview.

Here's a link:

http://www.thenakedscientists.com/HTML/content/interviews/interview/1140/

chris