A collaboration of researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of Pittsburgh has revealed that acne is a problem for which a naturally built virus is available with humans, as per a recent report.

The team says that human skin is the home to phage, a virus that has the ability to fight and eventually kill Propionibacterium acnes. Though, the fact was hidden till date.

Acne is a skin condition causing pimples and inflamed patches of skin that affects millions of people, the report finds. The condition is caused as a result of blocking of hair follicles with sebum-like oily substance. Sebum is the component that is made by the body to prevent hair and skin from drying out.

It is being said that no effective treatments are available for the same at present. Thus, attempts to harness the newly discovered harmless virus are being made as the same can help it naturally prey on the bacteria. The virus is not alone, but it a family of 11 versions that can kill acne with a protein named endolysin.

"We understand how distressing the symptoms of acne can be and welcome any developments that can lead to a cure or at least a better understanding of the disease", said British Skin Foundation’s Hermione Lawson.