The emerging role of skin microbiome in atopic dermatitis and its clinical implication

Abstract

In recent years, the importance of the microbiome in maintaining healthy skin has become apparent. Both the classic microbiology cultivation techniques used since the early 1970s and the next-generation sequencing procedures refined in the past decade reveal the importance of skin microbiome in healthy and diseased skin. To strengthen and eventually restore a healthy microbiome in patients with dermatological conditions like atopic dermatitis (AD), it is important to consider the factors that influence the composition of the microbiome, such as skin pH and skin barrier integrity. Moreover, targeting the microbiome may support established treatment regimens in years to come. Initial studies have generated promising results, suggesting that AD treatments, including select emollients and topical corticosteroids, have a positive impact on the microbiome. This paper reviews different aspects of microbiome in AD and their implications in clinical practice.

Keywords:

• Atopic dermatitis
• skin barrier
• microbiome
• pH

Acknowledgements

Medical writing support, including assisting authors with the development of the initial draft and incorporation of comments, was provided by Hannah Burke, BSc and editorial support, including formatting, proofreading, and submission was provided by Maryam Vahdat, PGDip, both of Core, London, supported by Bayer Consumer Health according to Good Publication Practice guidelines (http://annals.org/aim/article/2424869/good-publication-practice-communicating-company-sponsored-medical-research-gpp3). This review was developed from an advisory board meeting funded by Bayer Consumer Health and presents the views of the authors and not of Bayer Consumer Health or the publisher.

Disclosure statement

J.F.S. has received honoraria for consultancy for Leo Pharma France and has participated in expert panels organized by Bayer Consumer Health. J.W.F. has worked as a consultant and/or speaker for Laboratoires Expanscience, Galderma S.A., Pierre Fabre S.A., Bioderma Laboratories, Sebapharma, and Unilever regarding the topics discussed in this article. M.G. has participated in expert panels with Bayer Consumer Health and Sanofi Aventis. E.P. and T.F. have participated in expert panel(s) organized by Bayer Consumer Health.

Additional information

Funding

Medical writing support for this article was funded by Bayer Consumer Health.