Microbiome manipulation – the future of inflammatory skin disease treatment?

Abstract

The manipulation of the human microbiome presents a transformative frontier in addressing prevalent dermatological conditions, like acne and atopic dermatitis. Strategies for skin and gut microbiome modification, such as microbiome transplantation and oral or topical application of probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics, offer promising solutions for different skin disorders. Bacteriophages, viruses that target bacteria, also provide an alternative microbiome manipulation platform. However, despite the promising initial results, further investigation is essential to unravel the underlying mechanisms, assess efficacy, and ensure safety across diverse populations, as the interplay between microbial communities and skin health is very complex. In the transformative era of microbiome manipulation techniques, it is important to ensure that these are applied beyond the realms of scientific exploration and benefit the global advancement of skin health.
 This review aims to capture the increasing volume of research in this field that reflects a growing interest and dedication to advancing our understanding of microbiome manipulation techniques with potential applications in dermatology. It represents an overview of the possibilities of treating skin diseases via microbiome modulation, focusing on two of the most common inflammatory skin diseases of today: acne and atopic dermatitis.