What is Atopic Dermatitis?
A new role-player in AD:
the skin microbiome
For more
details
• The human microbiome is composed of all the bacteria normally found on the skin surface
- These are “good”, non pathogenic bacteria
- On the contrary, they protect against pathogenic bacteria that cause infection
• During AD flare-ups, the normal microbiome is diminished, and pathogenic golden staph bacteria
take over. This certainly explains the heightened risk of impetigo.
• Inversely, right before a flare-up, the number of staph bacteria increases; there is then a solid link
between staph and flare-ups, but research is still being conducted
• During a non-infected flare-up, and even if the skin is oozing, dermo-corticosteroids reduce
the number of golden staph bacteria
• Where there’s no recognized infection, ATBs are not recommended. However in cases
of AD flare-ups some experts recommend diluted bleach baths
• To be continued…