Section : Articles

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.

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Contributors

Dr Christophe Hsu – dermatologist. Geneva, Switzerland