TUESDAY, Sept. 25 (HealthDay News) -- A virus to zap zits?
California researchers report in the Sept. 25 online edition of the journal mBio that they have taken a step in that direction, with the discovery that a harmless virus that lives on your skin seeks out and destroys the bacteria that can cause acne.
Harnessing this virus, or even just a part of it, might one day lead to a treatment that will replace current treatments, many of which have potentially serious side effects.
Although the results are preliminary, the concept has potential, said Dr. Michele Green, a dermatologist with Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.
"There are really limited . . . treatments we've had in the past and if some new drugs could be formulated that don't wipe out some of the immune system, that are more targeted, it could be really exciting," noted Green, who was not involved with the new study. "Half of what people come into my office for is for acne. This really has widespread promise." ......................
