Bacteria as an alternative solution to skin problems

Introduction

Welcome to my third blog post about microbiology. In this article I will describe the recent discovery of bacteria that can improve the health of skin and substitute the ordinary means of cleaning it. The main goals of this article are: the general background about the causes of skin problems, including sweat smell and skin diseases, the discovery of bacteria that can solve that problems and how these bacteria can cure the skin disorders.

Why sweat smells? And how can sweat cause skin disorders?

It is known fact that sweat is a liquid that secreted from the surface of the skin. Sweat contains variety of chemicals, including nitrogen containing substances like ammonia. Generally, sweat does not have any odor, so what causes unpleasant smell when we sweat? It was found out that one of the main of that smell are bacteria called Propionibacteria which nests in the tiny pinholes, pores, on the skin surface. Let’s refer them to “bad” bacteria.These bad bacteria multiply rapidly in the presence of sweat and capable to convert ammonia to the substance called propionic acid that gives off the unpleasant vinegar odor. Apart from this, Propionibacteria cause the inflammations on the surface of skin and results in the emergence of pimples which are also called acne. (figure 1)

figure 1. The development of acne

 

How should we struggle with these bacteria?

It turned out that not all bacteria are harmful. In September 29, 2014 Researchers at AOBiome (USA) reported on the meeting the American Society of Microbiologists of the benefits for the skin of other “good” bacteria called Nitrosomonas eutropha (figure 2) . They are found in abundance in water and soil which rich in ammonia. This type of bacteria has an ability to “eat” sweat, meaning that they absorb ammonia and use it for their life processes. After “eating” the ammonia, bacteria release chemicals, namely nitrite and nitric oxide that play an important role in the regulation of inflammation, wound healing, expansion and contraction of blood vessels on the surface of the skin. 

figure 2. Nitrosomonas bacteria

 

How it was tested?

Researchers came up with a simple idea to conduct an experiment on people suffering from acne. The research was conducted within 14 days and 24 volunteers were involved. One group of participants smeared the cream, containing bacteria Nitrosomonas eutropha, on the face and skin of the head during the experiment. The second group used placebo, the cream that did not contain these bacteria. At the same time both groups were forbidden to wash hair and take a shower throughout the period of the experiment. As a result, the first group showed a significant improvement of the skin complexion whereas the second group did not show any change. Moreover, the number of Propionibacteria in the first group decreased considerably, resulting also in the loss of sweat smell. The reason is that the growth and reproduction of “bad” bacteria was suppressed by their new competitors - Nitrosomonas eutropha. 

Thus “sweat eating” bacteria had not had negative impact on the health of participants during and after the experiment. The creators of "organic lotion" believe that it can be used not only for the treatment of acne and to get rid of sweat smell, but also for the treatment of long non-healing wounds.

Why is it important to Biology?

Nitrosomas bacreria were first discovered by scientists more than one century ago, however, the most important thing is that the application of these bacteria in medicine and cosmetology was found only this year.  This discovery is essential in a science of biology because it might give the push for the further studies of other bacteria and the searching new more safe and effective ways of treatment of some particular disease. 

Dear readers, I hope you enjoyed the reading of this article and found it interesting and useful.

 

Reference  

"Propionibacterium." - MicrobeWiki. https://microbewiki.kenyon.edu/index.php/Propionibacterium  (accessed October 28, 2014).  

"Nitrosomonas." - MicrobeWiki. https://microbewiki.kenyon.edu/index.php/Nitrosomonas  (accessed October 28, 2014).

"acneafterthirty." acneafterthirty. https://acneafterthirty.wordpress.com/category/acne-explained/  (accessed October 28, 2014).

"Does sweating cause acne on my body and face? - HowStuffWorks." HowStuffWorks. http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/men/sweating-odor/does-sweating-cause-acne.htm  (accessed October 28, 2014).

Nordqvist, Christian. "What is body odor (B.O.)? What causes body odor?." Medical News Today. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/173478.php  (accessed October 28, 2014).

American Society for Microbiology. "Sweat-eating bacteria may improve skin health." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140929180059.htm  (accessed October 28, 2014).

Sliwa, Jim . "   Sweat-Eating Bacteria May Improve Skin Health." Sweat-Eating Bacteria May Improve Skin Health. http://www.asm.org/index.php/journal-press-releases/93184-sweat-eating-bacteria-may-improve-skin-health  (accessed October 28, 2014).