Propionibacterium acnes is a bacterium commonly found on the skin, in pores and hair follicles. These bacteria play an important part in acne. Their role, though, is more positive than was for a long time thought.
Propionibacterium acnes is a bacterium commonly found on the skin, in pores and hair follicles. These bacteria play an important part in acne. Their role, though, is more positive than was for a long time thought.
Growing in warm cavities
Propionibacterium acnes is a skin bacterium which grows well in an anaerobic (low oxygen) environment. The species populates skin pores and hair follicles and feeds on sebaceous matter. This is a fatty substance produced in glands to keep the skin waterproof. P. acnes is a benign skin bacterium which can help the skin by stopping harmful bacteria getting into the pores.
From harmful to helpful
It was long thought that P. acnes caused spots. This was because the number of P. acnes bacteria increases enormously during puberty, together with the number of spots. Recent research has shown, however, that P. acnes actually helps in the fight against spots. Harmful bacteria cannot get a foothold because the pores and hair follicles are already occupied.
Sometimes still harmful
Despite playing an important part in the fight against youthful spots, P. acnes can still cause problems. P. acnes has been linked to infections associated with implants and prostheses. It also appears that this micro-organism is often present in the spinal column of people with slipped disks. However, it is still not clear whether the bacteria is the cause of the problem or is drawn to slipped disks for some reason.