Skin Virus Could Be Used as Acne Treatment

A harmless strain of viruses native to the human face known as phages naturally target and destroy the bacterial cause of acne –Propionibacterium acnes– while, leaving “good” bacteria intact.

Researchers have identified 11 phages after testing participants with and without acne.  These phages, while genetically diverse, all attack bacteria living in facial hair follicles. 

Normally, the amount of phages present on an individual is not enough to stop the bacteria from infecting the hair follicles, thereby causing the swollen areas associated with acne. 

“We believe that these phages display numerous features that would make them ideal candidates for the development of a phage-based therapy for acne,” wrote lead scientist Prof. Robert Modlin of the University of California at Los Angeles, and colleagues. 

Treatment for acne utilizing phages would offer an alternative to common antibiotic treatments that eliminate bacteria indiscriminately, including beneficial “good” bacteria. 

"Antibiotics such as tetracycline are so widely used that many acne strains have developed resistance, and drugs like Accutane, while effective, can produce risky side effects, limiting their use,” researchers wrote. 

While much more research is needed into properly harnessing phages against acne-causing bacteria, researchers are hopeful that "harnessing a virus that naturally preys on the bacteria that causes pimples could offer a promising new tool against the physical and emotional scars of severe acne.”

-Michael Potts