The skin forms a complex barrier comprising physical, chemical, microbiological, and immunological components. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for effectively treating numerous dermatological diseases.
This review sheds light on the intricate relationship between our skin and its microbial residents, challenging the conventional perception of microbes as passive observers.
Here are some key insights:
Skin microbes play a pivotal role in influencing keratinocyte differentiation and contribute to the formation and maintenance of a healthy barrier.
The skin microbiome appears to affect the cell Junctions (hemidesmosomes, desmosomes and others).
Barrier damage appears to be a common denominator in various chronic inflammatory diseases affecting humans, such as acne and atopic dermatitis.
Reference
Szabó et al. Are the Cutaneous Microbiota a Guardian of the Skin’s Physical Barrier? The Intricate Relationship between Skin Microbes and Barrier Integrity. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2023
About the author
Dr. Aline Santana is a Brazilian veterinarian with over 12 years of experience in both research and private dermatology practice. In 2021, she completed her PhD in veterinary dermatology at the University of São Paulo (Brazil), with a sandwich period at the University of Minnesota, where she conducted research on the skin microbiome of cats. Since 2012, she has been an active member of the Brazilian Society of Veterinary Dermatology (SBDV). From 2015 to 2021, Dr. Santana served as the director of social media marketing, contributing to the organization's outreach and communication efforts.
