Abstract
The microbiome plays a significant role in human health, homeostasis, immune system,
and disease pathogenesis. Disrupted communication between the microbiome and host
has been extensively studied in gastrointestinal diseases. To a lesser extent, there
is emerging research on the skin microbiome and its connection with the gut, referred
to as the gut-skin axis and its effects on dermatologic conditions. A basic overview
will be provided of the gut and skin microbiome with a focus on the impact of this
connection on cutaneous diseases, such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, rosacea, acne
vulgaris, photoaging, and cutaneous wounds. In addition, we shall discuss nutrition-based
approaches mediated through the gut-skin axis and topical treatments that could serve
as potential adjunctive management by manipulation of the microbiome. In particular,
there is a growing body of research on oral probiotics, prebiotics, and dietary modifications
that may help improve symptoms for a variety of dermatologic conditions in select
demographic groups.
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Published online: September 02, 2021
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