Cutaneous Microbiome

Bacteria, fungi and viruses comprise the cutaneous microbiome. Exposures starting in utero shape our initial microbiome, which then evolves over time through exposure to external microbial communities (delivery method, close contacts, environment) and changes in our skin's biochemical nature (adrenarche, hygiene, skin disease). This chapter investigates the composition of the microbiome throughout childhood, interactions of the microbiome with the skin barrier and immune system, and microbial contributions to health and disease. Current skin microbiome research related to several common diseases (atopic dermatitis, acne, psoriasis) suggests that incorporation of this information may be beneficial in disease treatment, thus underscoring the need for further studies in this field.