<p>Scientists have discovered that bacteria on the skin trapped in clogged pore, surrounded by oil and no air, release fatty acids that trigger inflammation known as acne, a finding that may lead to new treatments for the condition.<br /><br /></p>.<p>The skin is the body's first line of defence against invading germs. It is also constantly awash in bacteria of all kinds, and usually puts up no fight. "It's a big puzzle as to why we tolerate all these bacteria on our skin," said lead researcher Richard Gallo, from the University of California, San Diego.<br /><br />"Usually, we walk around at peace with them. But at certain times, that detente breaks down and you get an infection," Gallo said. Researchers studied the Propionibacterium acnes bacteria - which can contribute to acne, as well as certain other infections, 'Health Day' reported.<br /><br />Usually, P acnes lives on the skin harmlessly. However, when the bacteria are caught in certain circumstances - in a clogged pore, surrounded by oil and no air - they can cause the inflammatory response known as acne.<br /><br />Researchers found that under certain conditions, P acnes will secrete fatty acids that inhibit two enzymes in keratinocytes - cells that make up most of the skin's outermost layer. This boosts the cells' inflammatory reactions.<br /><br />The findings, according to Gallo, may help explain the process underlying acne and folliculitis - an inflammation of a hair follicle that causes pimple-like bumps or other skin symptoms. The study was published in the journal Science Immunology. <br /></p>
<p>Scientists have discovered that bacteria on the skin trapped in clogged pore, surrounded by oil and no air, release fatty acids that trigger inflammation known as acne, a finding that may lead to new treatments for the condition.<br /><br /></p>.<p>The skin is the body's first line of defence against invading germs. It is also constantly awash in bacteria of all kinds, and usually puts up no fight. "It's a big puzzle as to why we tolerate all these bacteria on our skin," said lead researcher Richard Gallo, from the University of California, San Diego.<br /><br />"Usually, we walk around at peace with them. But at certain times, that detente breaks down and you get an infection," Gallo said. Researchers studied the Propionibacterium acnes bacteria - which can contribute to acne, as well as certain other infections, 'Health Day' reported.<br /><br />Usually, P acnes lives on the skin harmlessly. However, when the bacteria are caught in certain circumstances - in a clogged pore, surrounded by oil and no air - they can cause the inflammatory response known as acne.<br /><br />Researchers found that under certain conditions, P acnes will secrete fatty acids that inhibit two enzymes in keratinocytes - cells that make up most of the skin's outermost layer. This boosts the cells' inflammatory reactions.<br /><br />The findings, according to Gallo, may help explain the process underlying acne and folliculitis - an inflammation of a hair follicle that causes pimple-like bumps or other skin symptoms. The study was published in the journal Science Immunology. <br /></p>