Acne vulgaris: What's the most effective treatment?

by: Nicole Durie

Acne is described as a common skin condition in which there are blackheads, whiteheads, red spots and sometimes-deeper boil like lesions called nodules or cysts. Acne is more prominent among those in their teenage years but can be seen in adults as well. The cause of this affliction is widely debated which is why I believe there are so many different ways to treat acne. These treatments range from mild over the counter products to varying levels of antibiotics to harsh retinoids. This research project will show the correlation between a mild over the counter product and three frequently prescribed anitbiotics and bacterial carriage. The bacteria responsible for acne was unable to be isolated, but those that were are responsible for numerous skin infections. The most frequently found bacteria in skin infections is staph. This bacteria was isolated for treatment, as well as to show whether using a face wash reduces the amount of bacteria on the face. The findings suggest that one out of the three antibiotics is effective in reduction of staph. They also find that washing ones face with hands may or may not be the cause of increased numbers of bacterial colonies.

Research Advisor: Lynn S. Fine, Ph.D., Nazareth College