Photo Credit: Radist
The following is a summary of “Skin Microbiome in the First Year of Life and Its Association With Atopic Dermatitis,” published in the December 2024 issue of Pediatrics by Rapin et al.
The skin microbiome in early life may influence the development of atopic dermatitis (AD) and other conditions.
Researchers conducted a prospective study examining the relationship between skin microbiome composition and AD development in the first year of life.
They collected skin microbiome samples from 346 newborns (from the Preventing Atopic Dermatitis and Allergies in Children [PreventADALL] study) at 1 day, 3, 6, and 12 months, transepidermal water loss was measured for 3 months. Skin bacteria were assessed using 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing (970 samples). Background data were collected from parental history, environment, breastfeeding, and birth delivery mode questionnaires.
The results showed significant changes in skin microbiome composition over the first year, with distinct patterns linked to age. Specific bacterial communities were associated with dry skin, skin barrier integrity, later onset of AD, and food allergies. Birth delivery mode influenced microbiome composition at birth, with different patterns based on delivery method. Other factors, like parental history, environment, and breastfeeding, also affected the microbiome, though some effects were temporary.
They concluded that early-life skin microbiome variations were associated with AD development, skin barrier integrity, and dry skin.
