The infantile cutaneous microbiome: A review.

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.