Topographical and Temporal Diversity of the Human Skin Microbiome

The Close and Personal Biome

Fortunately, our skin is readily accessible for ecological studies of the microbial communities that influence health and disease states. Grice et al. (p. 1190 ) present a metagenomic survey of body sites from 10 healthy human individuals sampled over time. Although, altogether 18 phyla were discovered, only a few predominated. The most diverse communities were found on the forearm and the least behind the ear, but between people the microorganisms living behind the knees, in the elbow, and behind the ear were most similar. This finding might have some bearing on the common occurrence of atopic dermatitis in these zones, although no similar relationship was discerned between skin microbial flora and psoriasis.