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The infantile cutaneous microbiome: A review
Jennifer J Schoch1, Reesa L Monir2, Kerrie G Satcher1
1Department of Dermatology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida.
Insights
The infantile skin microbiome is crucial for immune development and skin health, with its composition influenced by birth method. Understanding its evolution aids in preventing and treating infant skin diseases.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal dermatology
- Microbiome research
- Immunology
Background:
- The neonatal intestinal microbiome is well-studied, but the infantile cutaneous microbiome remains poorly understood.
- The infant skin microbiome matures throughout infancy, developing diversity and site specificity.
- The skin acts as a barrier and an interface for immune system priming.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of the infantile cutaneous microbiome in immune development and skin health.
- To underscore the gaps in current knowledge regarding the infant skin microbiome.
- To emphasize the link between the skin microbiome and dermatologic pathology in infants.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on the infantile skin microbiome.
- Analysis of the interplay between cutaneous microbes, skin barrier, and immune cells.
- Examination of the influence of delivery method on initial skin microbiome composition.
Main Results:
- The skin microbiome composition is initially determined by delivery method but this effect is transient.
- Cutaneous microbes play a vital role in neonatal immune system development.
- Skin barrier structure influences microbial colonization and dermatologic pathology.
- Dysbiosis is linked to atopic and seborrheic dermatitis; erythema toxicum neonatorum is an immune response to normal flora.
Conclusions:
- Physicians need to recognize the impact of the infantile skin microbiome on health and disease.
- Further understanding of the skin microbiome's origin and evolution is essential for pediatric dermatology.
- Targeting the skin microbiome may lead to novel prevention and treatment strategies for infant skin conditions.
Abstract:
Recent focus on the neonatal intestinal microbiome has advanced our knowledge of the complex interplay between the intestinal barrier, the developing immune system, and commensal and pathogenic organisms. Despite the parallel role of the infant skin in serving as both a barrier and an interface for priming the immune system, large gaps exist in our understanding of the infantile cutaneous microbiome. The skin microbiome changes and matures throughout infancy, becoming more diverse and developing the site specificity known to exist in adults. Delivery method initially determines the composition of the cutaneous microbiome, though this impact appears transient. Cutaneous microbes play a critical role in immune system development, particularly during the neonatal period, and microbes and immune cells have closely intertwined, reciprocal effects. The unique structure of newborn skin influences cutaneous microbial colonization and the development of dermatologic pathology. The development of the infantile skin barrier and cutaneous microbiome contributes to future skin pathology. Atopic dermatitis flares and seborrheic dermatitis have been linked to dysbiosis, while erythema toxicum neonatorum is an immune response to the establishment of normal bacterial skin flora. Physicians who care for infants should be aware of the impact of the infantile skin microbiome and its role in the development of pathology. A better understanding of the origin and evolution of the skin microbiome will lead to more effective prevention and treatment of pediatric skin disease.
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