In infants with atopic dermatitis (AD), a reduction in the abundance of Staphylococcus and an increase in that of skin microflora were associated with treatment and clinical improvement, a new study found. Researchers analyzed the association of skin microfloral dynamics with disease severity and treatment of AD in infants 0-1 years of age. Based on the eczema area and severity index, participants were divided into 5 groups: mild, moderate, severe, and severe post-treatment, with a healthy control group. Bacterial density at the perioral lesion, disease severity, and treatment were assessed in this population. They found:

• The perioral lesions were colonized predominantly by Firmicutes, followed in abundance by Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes.
• In infants with AD, the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Fusobacterium decreased significantly with an increase in disease severity.
• The abundance of 6 genera, including Prevotella, decreased significantly with an increase in disease severity.
• Skin bacterial composition varied with AD severity.