Acne, the Skin Microbiome, and Antibiotic Treatment

The document from January 10, 2019, discusses Acne vulgaris, a chronic skin condition that involves hair follicles and sebaceous glands, with a focus on the role of the skin microbiome and antibiotic treatment. It highlights that the skin microbiome, particularly Propionibacterium acnes and Malassezia spp., contributes to acne by affecting sebum secretion, comedone formation, and inflammation. Antibiotics, such as macrolides, clindamycin, and tetracyclines, have been used for over 40 years to target P. acnes in acne treatment. However, the emergence of antibiotic resistance is a growing concern. The review emphasizes the importance of understanding the skin microbiome's composition and dynamics in acne and the impact of antibiotic treatments on skin commensals for clinicians.