Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a common inflammatory skin condition affecting people of all ages. It is more prevalent in children than in adults, but it can also occur in adults.

The skin microbiome is known to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis. In this article, we will compare the skin microbiome of adults and children with atopic dermatitis.

What is the Skin Microbiome?

The skin microbiome refers to the diverse community of microorganisms that live on the skin’s surface. It includes bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microbes.

The skin is the largest organ of the human body and is home to millions of bacterial species. The microbiome of the skin is influenced by factors such as age, sex, geographic location, and environmental factors. The skin microbiome plays a vital role in maintaining skin health and immune system function.

An imbalance in the skin microbiome can result in various skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis.

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that affects around 15% of children and 2-10% of adults. It is characterized by red, itchy, and inflamed skin.

The exact cause of atopic dermatitis is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The skin barrier in people with atopic dermatitis is compromised, leading to increased water loss and susceptibility to allergens and irritants.

Comparing the Skin Microbiome of Adults and Children with Atopic Dermatitis

A study conducted in 2019 compared the skin microbiome of adults and children with atopic dermatitis. The researchers collected skin samples from 391 patients, including 98 adults and 293 children.

They analyzed the samples using 16S rRNA sequencing to identify the bacterial species present on the skin’s surface. The study found that there were significant differences in the skin microbiome of adults and children with atopic dermatitis.

Differences in Microbial Diversity

The study found that the microbial diversity was lower in the skin of adults with atopic dermatitis than in children. Adults had a higher abundance of Staphylococcus aureus, a pathogenic bacterium known to exacerbate atopic dermatitis symptoms.

In contrast, children had a higher abundance of Propionibacterium acnes, a beneficial bacterium that produces anti-inflammatory substances.

Differences in Bacterial Species

There were also differences in the specific bacterial species present on the skin of adults and children with atopic dermatitis. Some of the bacterial species commonly found in adults included Streptococcus, Corynebacterium, and Acinetobacter.

In contrast, some of the bacterial species commonly found in children included Staphylococcus, Propionibacterium, and Corynebacterium. The researchers also found that some bacterial species were only present in adults or children, indicating that the skin microbiome changes with age.

Implications for Treatment

The differences in the skin microbiome of adults and children with atopic dermatitis have implications for treatment.

A better understanding of the skin microbiome in atopic dermatitis can help researchers develop new therapies that target the specific bacterial species involved in the disease. For example, the use of antibiotics or probiotics to alter the skin microbiome may be a promising approach to treating atopic dermatitis.

However, more research is needed to determine which bacterial species are beneficial or harmful and how to balance the skin microbiome to promote skin health.

Conclusion

The skin microbiome plays a critical role in maintaining skin health and immune system function. An imbalance in the skin microbiome can lead to various skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis.

A study conducted in 2019 found significant differences in the skin microbiome of adults and children with atopic dermatitis. Adults had a lower microbial diversity and a higher abundance of pathogenic bacteria, while children had a higher abundance of beneficial bacteria that produce anti-inflammatory substances.

The differences in the skin microbiome of adults and children with atopic dermatitis have implications for treatment and highlight the importance of balancing the skin microbiome for promoting skin health.