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Microbiome and skin: how microorganisms affect our health
The microbiome is the collection of microorganisms that inhabit different parts of the human body. While we often hear about the gut microbiome, the skin microbiome is no less important for our well-being. The skin is the largest human organ, and billions of bacteria, fungi, and viruses live on its surface. They form a complex ecosystem that protects us from pathogens, participates in the regulation of the immune response, and even influences the development of diseases.
What is the skin microbiome?
The skin microbiome consists of a large number of microorganisms, including:
bacteria (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Cutibacterium acnes),
fungi (Malassezia),
viruses that interact with bacterial flora.
The balance between these microorganisms is critical: when it is disrupted, problems such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, or atopic dermatitis arise.
The microbiome's connection to common skin problems
| Skin condition | Characteristic changes in the microbiome | Possible consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Acne | Rankness Cutibacterium acnes | Inflammation, acne |
| Atopic dermatitis | Magnification S. aureus, reduction of diversity | Itching, dryness |
| Psoriasis | Disruption of the balance of beneficial and pathogenic bacteria | Scaly plaques |
| Rosacea | Activation of the immune response to microorganisms | Redness, rash |
Factors affecting the skin microbiome
Age: Children have a less diverse microbiome, becoming more stable with age.
Gender: hormones affect the composition of the microbiome.
Health status: diseases, antibiotics, immunodeficiency change the balance of microorganisms.
Care: Excessive use of aggressive cleaning products reduces the diversity of beneficial bacteria.
Nutrition: The gut microbiome is interconnected with the skin microbiome, and a balanced diet helps maintain healthy skin.
Microbiome and skin diseases
Acne: associated with excessive reproduction Cutibacterium acnes.
Atopic dermatitis: reduction in the number of beneficial bacteria, such as S. epidermidis, and growth Staphylococcus aureus.
Psoriasis: imbalance of bacterial flora, which activates immune reactions.
Rosacea: interaction of microorganisms with the vascular and immune systems of the skin.
How to maintain a balanced skin microbiome
Use delicate cleaning products without aggressive sulfates.
Avoid excessive sterility: regular, but not too frequent, washing helps maintain natural protection.
Moisturize your skin: dryness contributes to disruption of the microbiome.
Support the intestinal microbiome - probiotics and prebiotics in the diet also have a positive effect on the condition of the skin.
Avoid uncontrolled use of antibiotics and hormonal creams.
Analyses to assess the skin microbiome
Modern laboratory diagnostics allows us to study the composition of microorganisms on the skin to determine their balance and role in the development of dermatological diseases. The main tests are listed below.
| Analysis | What determines | When is it prescribed? | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin scraping microscopy | Presence of fungi (Malassezia, Candida), ticks (Demodex) | If fungal lesions, demodicosis are suspected | Quick method, but does not give a complete picture of the microbiome |
| Bacteriological culture (bacteriological culture) | Types of bacteria and their sensitivity to antibiotics | For purulent skin lesions, acne, furunculosis | Allows you to choose effective treatment |
| PCR (polymerase chain reaction) | DNA of pathogenic bacteria, fungi, viruses | In chronic or atypical dermatitis | High accuracy and speed |
| NGS (next generation sequencing) | The complete composition of the skin microbiome | For research, for complex or chronic diseases | Provides the most detailed picture of the ratio of microorganisms |
| Antimicrobial susceptibility testing | How microorganisms react to antibiotics and antiseptics | For persistent infections | Helps avoid ineffective therapy |
The skin microbiome is not just a collection of bacteria, but a complex system that affects the health of the entire body. Taking care of its balance helps not only to maintain the beauty of the skin, but also to prevent many chronic dermatological diseases.
