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  New gel hope for acne sufferers
Updated 22 April 2004, 16.35
 Acne
A scientist says he can make a gel which could end the misery of acne for thousands, with no side-effects.

Although at an early stage, tests have shown a virus found on the skin could be used to kill the bacteria to blame for acne, said Professor Keith Holland.

Four out of 10 pupils with acne cannot concentrate properly at school because of their spots, says a survey.

A fifth actually take time off school because it, according to the research by The Acne Support Group.

Does acne affect your life? Click here to tell us

Fact File
Acne
40% of schoolchildren with acne cannot concentrate on their studies
20% of children miss school because of the condition
83% of adults' self-confidence falls
80% of adults suffer depression
84% of people suffer scarring
Spots and acne can really bring you down. Even famous people like Victoria Beckham and Cameron Diaz have had to put up with bad skin.

Acne is treated in several different ways at the moment, but most of them have unwanted side-effects.

Click here for info and advice on spots

Antibiotics from doctors is one of the most common ways to treat it, but using them for too long can cause problems.

The new treatment could be a big breakthrough because it uses a bacterial virus, called a bacteriophage, which is naturally found on human skin.

Professor Holland hopes to start testing the new gel in the summer.

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Past StoriesBORDER=0
Clear skin is worth more than £1m
Doctors can zap acne with lasers
Acne drug 'should be banned'
Does stress give you spots?

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Web Links
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The Acne Support Group
Acne Support Group: Teen site
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