Drug-Resistant "Super Acne" Is On the Rise

First superbug (MRSA), then super yeast infections and now health experts are warning that certain types of bacteria that cause acne are mutating and becoming more drug resistant. Great. OK, so is it a pimple, or is it super acne?

****I tell you, it's a pretty good time to be a fungus or bacteria. The latest mutant strain that's becoming more bold and brash, resisting the traditional antibiotics, is showing up in the form of acne--and dermatologists are concerned. According to the latest estimates, as many of 30 percent of people with acne may harbor some resistant bacteria.

In a nutshell, the traditional prescribed antibiotic treatments for acne are becoming less and less effective, according to some experts. The problem? Sadly, some people are dealing with acne breakouts that are much more difficult to treat. Think: perma-acne (shudder). But even worse, experts warn, the drug-resistant acne--while not life threatening--can post a health risk for other staph infections. Nope, you're not going to die from acne, but drug-resistant bacteria like this can lead to more serious infections.

What can you do to protect yourself? Talk to your doc if you have persistent acne problems--especially if the medicine you've been prescribed stops working. And, never share towels that you use to wash your face with others. One Swedish study found that drug-resistant acne could be contagious and spread from family member to family member.

Do you have acne problems? Have you ever seen a dermatologist? Ever heard of these drug-resistant acne strains?