A new article published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology discussed that the human skin microbiome is represented by bacteria, fungi, viruses and mites. Every human being possesses their own unique skin microbiome because intrinsic and environmental factors have a significant impact on the quality and quantity of microorganisms. The authors elaborated that every site of the body is a separate microbial niche. Feet are one of the most unique and heterogeneous microbial niches of human body—with areas that differ by skin thickness, anatomical features, distribution of sweat glands, pH and the availability of oxygen. Healthy skin of the foot is inhabited by Corynebacteriaceae, Micrococcaceae, Propionibacteriaceae, Actinobacteria, Clostridiales, Lactobacillaceae, Streptococcaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Moravellaceae, Neisseriaceae, Pastereullaceae and Proteobacteria. While the most common fungi present on the feet are Malassezzia, Cryptococcus, Aspergillus, Rhodotorula, Epicoccum, Saccharomyces, Candida, Epidermophyton Microsporum and Trichophyton. The article stated that a disturbance in the foot microbiome causes dysbiosis and may lead to pitted keratolysis or fungal and viral infections or even to protothecosis.

Source: Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2020 May;19(5):1039-1043. doi: 10.1111/jocd.13368. Epub 2020 Mar 11.