Evolving Approaches to Profiling the Microbiome in Skin Disease

Human skin hosts diverse microbes that interact with the immune system and can influence conditions like atopic dermatitis, acne, and psoriasis. Dysbiosis, or imbalances in these microbial communities, is linked to these disorders. Traditional 16S rRNA gene sequencing methods are limited, but new technologies like metagenomics offer more detailed insights. Understanding the complex dynamics of the skin microbiome, including inter-species interactions and their systemic effects, requires advanced profiling methods and clinical trials. This review highlights current and emerging techniques to better understand the microbiome's role in skin health and disease.