Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 2, 2025
05:44
Skin Biopsy for Diagnosing Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
Published on: June 10, 2025
425
[The skin microbiome-useful for diagnosis and therapy?]
Claudia Hülpüsch1,2,3, Matthias Reiger4,5
1Institut für Umweltmedizin, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, München, Deutschland. Claudia.huelpuesch@tum.de.
Summary
The skin microbiome, crucial for skin health, is altered in diseases like atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and acne. Future diagnostics and therapeutics may target specific microbial biomarkers for better treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Microbiology
- Genomics
Background:
- The skin microbiome plays a vital role in maintaining the skin barrier.
- Microbial communities on the skin are dynamic and influenced by various factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the skin microbiome as a diagnostic and therapeutic target for skin diseases.
- To review current literature on skin microbiome alterations in common dermatological conditions.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted.
- Analysis of existing research on the skin microbiome and its association with skin pathologies.
Main Results:
- Alterations in the skin microbiome are linked to atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and acne.
- Staphylococcus aureus is a potential diagnostic and predictive biomarker in atopic dermatitis.
- Specific Cutibacterium acnes strains, not just the species, are implicated in acne.
Conclusions:
- Microbial biomarkers are currently validated only for atopic dermatitis.
- Future applications may include combinations of microorganisms, species, and specific bacterial strains as biomarkers.
- The skin microbiome holds promise as a future therapeutic and diagnostic target across various skin diseases.
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