An article published in Pediatric Research discussed that the skin provides the first-line defense against environmental microbes and antigens. While the host skin microbiome renders competitive exclusion of potential pathogens, physiological characteristics, such as – release of sebum, sweat, and small antimicrobial compounds secreted by subcutaneous glands, also aid in eradicating certain pathogens. 

The authors stated that majority of cutaneous microbes are bacteria; however, some sites may also have a relatively high content of resident fungi, collectively termed the microbiome. Disordered fungal colonization has been linked to various disorders such as dermatophytosis, atopic dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis. Cutaneous fungi play important roles in host health, including colonization-resistance against pathogens and facilitating immune development and maintenance of the host.

This article reported that neonatal sepsis is often associated with organisms that colonize the skin of neonates. Furthermore, the microbiome is also said to play a crucial role in immune development during early life. 

Source: Pediatric Research. 2020 Aug; 88(2): 153–154. doi: 10.1038/s41390-020-0959-6