Is Acne Genetic? The first study in the world makes "a huge leap forward" in finding a cure for stains

Hope is given to millions of sufferers of acne, as a new study shows that the condition may be genetic.

In a first attempt of this kind, the researchers analyzed DNA of more than 26,700 people – including thousands struggling with severe acne.

The results show that there are significant genetic variations between people with a condition and those with pure skin.

Genes that control hair follicles are thought to play a particularly important role at the beginning of the general condition.

Researchers called the study "a significant leap forward" and hope that this will lead to more effective treatments that prevent permanent scarring.

The study was conducted by the National Institute of Health Research, the Guy's Medical Research Center and the St. Thomas NHS Foundation Trust in London.

Acne is a very common condition in teenagers and young people, with about 80% of people between 11 and 30 years of age in the UK being affected, according to NHS statistics.

About 85 percent of 12 to 24 years of age in the US suffer to some extent, according to data from the American Academy of Dermatology.

People will most likely suffer in their teen years, with symptoms usually disappearing until they reach the mid-20s. However, she can strike in adulthood.

The consultant dermatologist Professor Jonathan Barker and colleagues analyzed DNA of 26,772 people, of whom 5,602 had acne.

Researchers have found acne-related variants in 15 genetic locations, of which 12 were not previously identified.

They also find that many of the genetic variants associated with the condition of the skin affect the formation of hair follicles.

Deteriorated hair follicular function is believed to promote colonization of acne-causing bacteria that lead to inflammation.

"Applying these genetic approaches to acne has never been done before, and that's a significant leap forward," said Professor Barker.

Professor Barker hopes that understanding the role of genetics in acne will lead to more effective treatments aimed at reducing inflammation and suppressing bacterial colonization.

"When you have an idea of ​​the genetic basis of a disease, you can develop a much more effective treatment," he said. "For people with acne it is so important to have more treatment.

"We must treat people earlier and more effectively so that they do not get scars that continue even after the condition has come and gone." Scars affect up to 20% of patients.

In Nature Communications, the authors added: "Acne can have severe emotional and psychological consequences and is associated with depression, unemployment, suicide and suicide.

"Treatment regimens are often ineffective and poorly tolerated and there remains considerable medical need."

The study is a collaborative work between Professor Barker's team and Professor Michael Simpson's Genomic Medical Group at King's College London.

Professor Simpson added: "A number of genetic variants indicate interesting mechanisms that could be really good targets for new drugs or treatments that will really help patients."

Researchers emphasize that there are additional genetic variants associated with acne that are not found.

It is defined as spots and oily skin, which can be red or painful. Although not fully understood, acne is thought to be caused by a combination of sebum, inflammation and Propionibacterium acnes bacteria entering the hair follicles.

The treatment of acne varies depending on how severe the condition is. The NSS recommends that if someone has only a few blackheads, white heads or spots, they are trying to get over-the-counter creams containing benzoyl peroxide.

Benzoyl peroxide is an antiseptic that reduces the amount of bacteria in the skin, which should reduce the number of black and white blood cells.

In more severe cases, local retinoids may be prescribed, but they can cause birth defects and should not be taken during pregnancy. Antibiotics can be applied along with creams and gels.

Hormonal therapies are effective in women, especially if their acne is associated with their hormones. An example of this is the controversial drug isotretinoin, which reduces the production of sebum and prevents clogging of the follicles.

Isotretinoin damages unborn babies and women are required to sign a form confirming that they understand the risk and will use contraception even if they are not sexually active.

There have been reports of people experiencing extreme aggression or suicidal thoughts while taking isotretinoin. The NSS stresses, however, that there is no evidence that these mood changes are the result of the drug.