The Human Skin Microbiome in Acne

Abstract

The human microbiome is a source of genetic diversity, a modifier of disease, an essential component of immunity, and a functional entity that influences metabolism and modulates drug interactions. The microbiota of our bodies constitute 90% of the total number of cells associated with our bodies, while only the remaining 10% are human cells. The human skin microbiome plays important roles in skin health and disease, however, bacterial population structure and diversity at the strain level is poorly understood. Recent advances in genomic technologies have extremely catalyzed characterization and analysis of the human microbiome. We discuss how these technologies have shaped this emerging field of study and advanced our understanding of the human skin microbiome in association with skin disease, including acne vulgaris (commonly called acne) and atopic dermatitis.