Follicular Skin Disorders, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and the Microbiome: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Dermatology and Gastroenterology
• Microbiome Research

Background:

• Follicular skin disorders like hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) often co-occur with systemic autoinflammatory diseases, notably inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
• Gut microbiome dysbiosis is a suspected pathogenic link between HS and IBD, but its comprehensive role across gut, skin, and blood remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the relationship between follicular skin disorders, IBD, and the human microbiome.
• To explore potential therapeutic interventions targeting the microbiome.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of sixteen studies.
• Analysis of studies investigating diet, bacterial colonization, serological biomarkers, and concurrent HS and IBD patient data.

Main Results:

• Dietary modifications, particularly yeast-exclusion diets, may influence the microbiome in HS patients.
• Specific gut and skin bacteria (e.g., Enterococcus, Veillonella) are associated with HS severity.
• Common immunological markers, including elevated cytokines and T-lymphocytes, are found in HS patients with autoinflammatory diseases like IBD.

Conclusions:

• A complex interplay exists between the microbiome, IBD, and follicular disorders, especially HS.
• Dietary interventions show promise for managing HS and IBD.
• Further research on microbiota analysis and serological biomarkers is essential to understand dysbiosis's role.