A bacterium that metabolizes carbohydrate, some kinds being involved in the fermentation of dairy products and the etiology of acne.
The bacteria is present on or within all skin, but will only produce symptoms of acne under certain circumstances.
Most notably it requires an environment devoid of oxygen.
Propionibacterium may be eliminated by introducing oxygen into the deeper voids of the skin, through the use of benzoyl peroxide acne treatments, or by keeping the skin's surface and follicles clear of dead cells through the use of either combination salicylic, azelaic and glycolic acid exfoliating treatments (see Jan Marini Bioclear Lotion and Cream; Acne Gel I and II), or Proteolytic Enzymes (see Jan Marini Clean Zyme Cleanser, Skin Zyme Mask, Day Zyme Gel, Night Zyme Cream).
Juvenile acne is treated with benzoyl peroxide or combination exfoliating acids or proteolytic enzymes.
Adult acne is treated using combination exfoliating acids or proteolytic enzymes.
Genus Propionibacterium; Gram-positive rods.
ORIGIN modern Latin, from propionic.
Also see propionibacterium at Skin Care Physician's AcneNet (Glossary).