Acne-Causing Bacteria Becoming Resistant To Antibiotics: Study

Physicians should limit their prescribing of antibiotics for treatment of acne, says a team of British researchers. According to the team, a number of patients with acne are becoming resistant to standard antibiotic treatment, putting themselves at risk of so-called super acne.

Researchers at the Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust found that more than 75 percent of people who suffer from acne have bacteria that are resistant to three of the most common antibiotics used to treat the condition.

According to the researchers, the antibiotic-resistant “super acne” spreads from person to person through direct contact. This has led to an increase in reported cases of acne. In an effort to stop the spread and reduce cases of super acne breakouts, the researchers have warned doctors and physicians to limit the use of antibiotics that they prescribe to treat the condition.

The three antibiotics most commonly used prescribed are tetracyclines, erythromycin and clindamycin.

“The growing resistance to antibiotics among skin patients is of concern. Eighty percent of teenagers experience acne, and while for most it disappears with age, for some it continues well into adulthood. This is a problem that needs to be managed,” said Nina Goad, of the British Association of Dermatologists, in a statement.

During the study, the research team observed people who had Propionibacterium acnes and reported to the hospital for treatment. Out of the 994 people observed, the researchers found that nearly 79.5 percent of the patients had the antibiotic-resistant form of the bacteria.

The complete study findings are scheduled to be presented at the annual conference of the British Association of Dermatologists.