The Skin Microbiome in Atopic Dermatitis and Its Relationship to Emollients.
BACKGROUND
Human-associated bacterial communities on the skin, skin microbiome, likely play a central role in development of immunity and protection from pathogens. In atopic patients, the skin bacterial diversity is smaller than in healthy subjects.


OBJECTIVE
To review treatment strategies for atopic dermatitis in Canada, taking the skin microbiome concept into account.


METHODS
An expert panel of 8 Canadian dermatologists explored the role of skin microbiome in clinical dermatology, specifically looking at atopic dermatitis.


RESULTS
The panel reached consensus on the following: (1) In atopic patients, the skin microbiome of lesional atopic skin is different from nonlesional skin in adjacent areas. (2) Worsening atopic dermatitis and smaller bacterial diversity are strongly associated. (3) Application of emollients containing antioxidant and antibacterial components may increase microbiome diversity in atopic skin.


CONCLUSIONS
The skin microbiome may be the next frontier in preventive health and may impact the approach to atopic dermatitis treatment.
University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada derma@lynderma.com.
Charles W
CW
Lynde
Andriessen Consultants Malden and UMC St Radboud Nijmegen, Malden, The Netherlands.
Anneke
A
Andriessen
University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Vince
V
Bertucci
University of Montreal, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, QC, Canada.
Catherine
C
McCuaig
University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada Department of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
Sandy
S
Skotnicki
University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Miriam
M
Weinstein
Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology and the Department of Medicine, Section of Dermatology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
Marni
M
Wiseman
University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
Catherine
C
Zip
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004643:Emollients / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D064307:Microbiota / Q000502:physiology*; D012867:Skin / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000503:physiopathology
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000975:Antioxidants; D004643:Emollients
atopic dermatitis; dermatitis; dermatology; skin microbiome