Advances in DNA sequencing methodology, analysis and affordability led to breakthroughs in defining cutaneous microbiomes.

Actinobacteria, Firmicytes, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes dominate skin bacterial, Malassezia the fungal microbiota.

There is remarkable interpersonal variation, changes over time and body site specificities in skin microbiota.

Commensals protect from pathogens and activate the immune system, which can lead to probiotics approaches in prevention.

Psoriatic and eczematous skin have altered microbial arrays; unexpectedly, the microbe diversity is reduced in psoriatics.