Propionibacterium acnes: The Pimple Bug

Simply put, Propionibacterium acnes is the pimple bug.

This bug is very common, and it lives on the skin of most people. It survives on the fatty acids created in the sebaceous, or oil-producing, glands of the skin. Propionibacterium acnes is associated with acne vulgaris, which is the common acne that affects the upper chest, back, and face of any number of people.

Here is what the evolution of a pimple looks like: When a pore of your skin is clogged with dirt and oil, because Propionibacterium acnes bacteria are already present, they multiply in the fatty acids contained in the clog. When they reach a point of overgrowth, the Propionibacterium acnes bacteria begin to put out chemicals to degrade or break down the wall of the pore. From there acne lesion, or folliculitis, is formed. On the surface of your skin, you will be able to see a pimple.

Therefore, it should be noted that a pimple does not simply happen overnight just because you ate French fries or had a rough day at the office. Propionibacterium acnes bacteria are there working on your pore, sometimes for weeks, and getting ready to cause a mini-infection in and on your skin.

Interestingly, some species of Propionibacteria are found in food. Propionibacteria freudenreichii is what causes the holes in Swiss cheese, and provides its characteristic tang. Various species of Propionibacteria can be found everywhere on our bodies. Most of the species are harmless, but when some species manage to get into the blood or other bodily fluid, they cause infections, some of them life-threatening.

A pimple happens to be an infection caused by Propionibacterium acnes, and is characterized by an irritated, raised area of the skin. A pimple that bursts beneath the surface of the skin, releasing bacteria into the surrounding area is known as a papule, and may look red. If an infection occurs deeper under the skin, it is known as a pustule. It may appear less red than other pimples, may have a white center and be tender to the touch.

Fortunately, Propionibacterium acnes can be disposed of by over-the-counter products that contain benzoyl peroxide, as well as a variety of antibiotic topical treatments and oral antibiotics.

Cleaning the skin gently twice a day is the best defense against Propionibacterium acnes for most people. In addition, keeping your hands away from your face will certainly help, too, in that you will reduce the amount of dirt making it into your pores, keeping them open and preventing that overgrowth of Propionibacterium acnes as mentioned above.