A Review of the Role and Treatment of Biofilms in Skin Disorders

Abstract

A biofilm is a diverse community of microorganisms enclosed in an extracellular matrix. Although this organization of cells exists naturally in healthy skin, it is also involved in the pathogenesis of multiple skin disorders, such as acne and atopic dermatitis. Because biofilms provide microorganisms with a survival advantage and increased resistance to traditional antibiotics, they can be very difficult to treat, particularly when the goal is to also preserve the natural skin microbiota. This review aims to provide an overview of the role of biofilms in various dermatological diseases, as well as the conventional and newly developed therapies that can be used in their treatment.

Keywords: acne; atopic dermatitis; biofilms; chronic wounds; dermal fillers; hidradenitis suppurativa; onychomycosis.