What is the bacteria called that causes spots or acne?

Question

the name we were given by our teacher was bacillus subtilis but iv searched on the internet and it says thats something to do with soil...???

Answer 1

You are right, bacillus subtillis is from the soil,although every now and then you will find it as a contaminant in air. (dust in the wind....)
Wait, your teacher is also right. I have searched a bit more and found that newer medications are looking into using a Bacillus preparation for the prevention of pimples. It didnt say it was the subtillis variety though.
As for spots or acne, there are several species of bacteria which could cause them, but commonly they would be either staphylococci for the pimple and streptococci for the spots.

Answer 2

Although acne is not caused by a bacterial infection, bacteria do play a role in making the situation worse. The bacterium Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), is a normal part of the skin surface. It keeps the skin from being invaded by harmful bacteria.

When oil is trapped in the hair follicles, the normal skin bacteria P. acnes will grow in the blocked pore. The bacteria produce chemicals that alter the composition of the oil, which makes it more irritating to the skin and causes inflammation.

Hope this answers your question to some extent....

Answer 3

The above answer is partially correct. The bacteria are an inherent part of your physiology. An integral part of your largest organ being your epidermis. Spots or acne are caused by your body's inability to defend itself against the bacteria which thrives for two reasons. One is a weakened immune system. The causes of such is more inherent in teens because they are growing so rapidly and their body chemistry is also changing. Adult acne is also possible for the same reasons. The onset of puberty with increases in hormones that lead to the increase of secretions from sweat glands can also lead to acne. Drinking enough water helps the body to eliminate are perpetuate exchange of fluids and flush impurities which helps the body to combat the bacteria. Sometimes the use of anti-biotics is applicable if acne becomes severe. This helps the body to defend against the bacteria. Unfortunately the anti-biotics work as a nuclear weapon and the immune system destroys both good and bad bacteria.
So the answer is in the body's inability to defend itself because of a weakened immune state due to accelerated growth which is compounded by an increase in secretions which leads to an increase in the growth of bacteria thus leading to increases in infection in the pores. The body is unable to kill all the bacteria that is growing in the newly secreting pores. The evidence is displayed by inflammation and puss. So bacteria is not the cause.
The bacteria is a symptom.

Answer 4

the plush microbes on thinkgeek.com give the name
"Propionibacterium acnes"

wikipedia doesn't disagree. and says bacillus subtilis is in soil.