Welcome to the Skin Planet !

The skin microbiome: current perspectives and future challenges.

Chen YE, Tsao H.

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2013 Jul;69(1):143-55. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2013.01.016.

• Different bacteria, fungi and viruses live on the skin.
• The type of microorganisms as well as their density depends on « environmental » factors.
  • « Tropical » areas include the skin folds such as axillae, inquinal folds…
  • ‘Desert » areas include peripheral skin areas such as the distal limbs
  • Oily areas include the face.

• That being said known organisms are known:
  • Propionibacterium Acnes in Acne Vulgaris
  • S.Aureus in Folliculitis
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) in viral warts…
• In other skin diseases, the role is less clear such as the demodex mite in rosacea or bacteria in hidradenitis suppurativa.

• A better understanding of skin  diseases would be reached by understanding of its inhabitants and could lead to new treatment possibilities.

For full access to the free article in the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD), click here

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Contributors

Dr Christophe Hsu – dermatologist. Geneva, Switzerland