Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 3, 2026
09:32
Resolving Water, Proteins, and Lipids from In Vivo Confocal Raman Spectra of Stratum Corneum through a Chemometric Approach
Published on: September 26, 2019
7.8K
Microbiome and pediatric atopic dermatitis
Claire E Powers1, Diana B McShane2, Peter H Gilligan3
1Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.
The Journal of Dermatology
|September 22, 2015
Summary
Atopic dermatitis in children is complex, with the skin microbiome playing a key role. While probiotics show promise for prevention, their efficacy in treating pediatric atopic dermatitis remains under investigation.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Microbiology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease significantly impacting children's health.
- The exact pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis is not fully understood.
- The skin microbiome's role in atopic dermatitis development and progression is increasingly recognized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent research on the skin microbiome and pediatric atopic dermatitis.
- To elucidate the complex interactions between the skin microbiome and atopic dermatitis.
- To discuss the potential of probiotics in managing pediatric atopic dermatitis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent publications.
- Analysis of studies on skin commensal organisms and immune function.
- Examination of research on Staphylococcus aureus colonization in atopic dermatitis.
Main Results:
- Alterations in the skin microbiome may facilitate Staphylococcus aureus colonization, potentially worsening atopic dermatitis.
- Probiotics have not yet proven effective for treating existing pediatric atopic dermatitis.
- Evidence suggests probiotics may be beneficial in preventing atopic dermatitis in infants.
Conclusions:
- The skin microbiome is a critical factor in pediatric atopic dermatitis.
- Further research is needed to clarify the therapeutic role of probiotics.
- Targeting the skin microbiome may offer future strategies for atopic dermatitis management.
Related Concept Videos
01:27The Skin Microbiota
53
The human skin serves as a complex ecosystem inhabited by a diverse community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This microbiome plays a critical role in maintaining skin health and defending against pathogenic invaders. The composition of microbial communities varies significantly across different regions of the body, influenced primarily by the local levels of moisture and sebum.Regional Variation in Skin MicrobiotaCutibacterium acnes predominantly colonizes sebaceous...
53
01:30Development of Human Microbiota
36
The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from...
36
01:22Microbiome of the Eye
38
The human eye has a specialized microbiota that reflects its unique anatomical and immunological environment. This low-biomass microbial community predominantly colonizes the conjunctiva and eyelid margins, playing a vital role in ocular surface homeostasis and defense. Despite its proximity to the richly colonized facial skin, the ocular surface maintains a distinct microbial profile due to continuous mechanical and biochemical defense mechanisms.The conjunctival surface hosts fewer microbial...
38
01:29Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract
36
The human respiratory tract, comprising the upper and lower segments, serves as a critical interface with the external environment. The upper respiratory tract (URT)—including the nostrils, sinuses, pharynx, and oropharynx—is heavily colonized by microbes, while the lower respiratory tract (LRT), composed of the larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs, was long thought to be sterile. However, recent molecular studies have revealed that the lungs are not devoid of microbes but act more...
36
01:22Introduction to the Human Microbiota
79
Microorganisms colonize various regions of the human body, including the mouth, nasal passages, throat, stomach, intestines, urogenital tract, and skin. The total number of microbial cells is estimated to range from 10¹³ to 10¹⁴—comparable to, or exceeding, the number of human somatic cells. This host–microbiome relationship has led to the conceptualization of humans as supraorganisms, wherein microbial communities perform vital roles in development, immunity,...
79
01:28Development of the Oral Microbiota
37
The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
37