[Atopic eczema and microbiome]

Abstract

Background: Atopic eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by skin barrier disruption, inflammation and dysbiosis. Furthermore, atopic eczema is associated with other diseases of the atopic group, such as allergies, rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma. The skin microbiome consists of bacteria, viruses and fungi. Patients suffering from atopic eczema often show an imbalance (dysbiosis) of the microbiome.

Objective: It is not yet completely clarified what influence dysbiosis and the cutaneous microbiome have on the development and severity of atopic eczema. Modern sequencing methods will be used to investigate the role of the skin microbiome in the pathogenesis of atopic eczema in the future.

Material and methods: This article presents and discusses the results of current basic research.

Results: The human skin microbiome differs according to body region, age and gender. It interacts with the skin barrier and the cutaneous immune system. Patients suffering from atopic eczema develop dysbiosis consisting of an increased load of Staphylococcus aureus and a reduction of commensal skin bacteria. The altered skin microbiome in patients suffering from atopic eczema may also affect skin barrier function and inflammatory reactions.

Conclusion: Knowledge of the skin microbiome has improved in recent years. This will certainly improve the understanding of the pathogenesis causing atopic eczema. These findings may also form the foundation of new treatment and prevention strategies for atopic eczema in the future.

Keywords: Allergies; Dysbiosis; Immune system; Inflammation; Microbiota.