This slide gives an idea of the innumerable microorganisms present on the skin, and how they have positive and negative effect on the human body.

1. SKIN
MICROFLORA

2. Skin
• Skin is the organ of the human body that protects
from the pathogens from the environment and
retards the loss of excessive water.
• Its other functions are insulation,
temperature regulation, sensation and synthesis
of vitamin D.
• The skin is composed of the epidermis , dermis and
fat cells.

4. • This layer consist of dead cells( without nucleus) and
constantly in contact with microorganism from the
environment.
• Impermeable to microorganism; however cuts, abrasion and
wounds can allow the organisms to penetrate.
• Consist of connective tissues and cushions the body from heat
and strain.
• Has sebaceous gland, sweat gland, hair follicles and nerve
endings.

5. • It attaches the dermis layer to the underlying bones and
provides with blood.
• It functions as padding and insulation.

6. NORMAL SKIN MICROBIOTA
The skin is hostile to the survival and growth of
microorganisms.
Skin flora can be comensalistic, mutalistic or
pathogenic.
The flora depends on the area, the clothing, occupation
and environment.
e.g. Pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes does not survive
for more than a few hours when applied to the skin
whereas it may survive in room air for weeks.

7. Some of the common flora on skin are:
Bacteria:
Staphylococcus aureus – folliculitis, boils, etc.
Staphylococcus epidermis - Impetigo, Abscess
Staphylococcus warneri - Endocarditis, UTI
Propionibacterium acnes – Acne vulgaris
Pseudomonas aeroginosa - Folliculitus

8. Folliculitis
Impetigo

10. S. epidermis S. aureus

11. Propioniobacterium acnes

12. Fungal colonies:
Candida albicans - Candidiasis
Trichosporon cutaneum – White piedra
Microsporum gypseum – Dermatophytosis

13. There are some microbes present on skin which
actually increase the immunity to fight pathogenic
organisms
e.g. P. Acnes inhibits the growth of many pathogenic
microrganisms but under some conditions the
organism can even cause infection( i.e. acne vulgaris)

14. FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR DISCOURAGING
MICROBIAL COLONIZATION ON SKIN
1. DRYNESS:
Dry surface is inhibitory to microbial growth.
Some regions of the skin are moist than others, e.g.
The axillary region, toe webs and the perineum( skin
at the lower end of the trunk between the thighs.)
These regions has higher number of normal flora
organisms than the drier area of skin.

15. 2. Low Ph:
Skin has a normal pH between 3 and 5 and it is
higher in moist regions.
This low pH is due to the lactic acid or other
organic acids produced by normal skin
microorganisms such as staphylococci. This factor
discourages the growth of other organisms.

16. 3. Inhibitory Substances:
Sweat glands – secrete lyzozyme that destroys
bacterial cell walls.
Sebaceous glands – secrete complex lipids which
may be partially degraded by Propionibacterium
acnes, that results in long chained unsaturated fatty
acids e.g. Oleic acid. This fatty acids are highly toxic
to other bacteria.

17. BENEFIT OF SKIN FLORA
The benefits bacteria can offer include preventing
transient pathogenic organisms from colonizing the
skin surface, either by competing for nutrients,
secreting chemicals against them, or stimulating the
skin's immune system.

18. DISADVANTAGE OF SKIN FLORA
Even resident microbes can cause skin diseases and
enter the blood system creating life-threatening
diseases particularly in immuno suppressed people.

19. THANK YOU!