Reminding that one of the most important tasks of our skin is to prevent the attack of harmful microorganisms on the body, Dermatology Specialist and Assoc. Dr. Özlem Akın pointed out that if the balance in the skin microbiota is disturbed, the immune system and skin health will deteriorate.

Yeditepe University Kozyatağı Hospital Dermatology Specialist and Assoc. Dr. Özlem Akın said that we have bacteria at a rate of about 10 times the number of cells in our body, explaining that some of the microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi on our skin are beneficial and some are harmful, and that if the balance between them is disrupted, our immune system and skin health will deteriorate.

Insurance of Skin Health: "Skin Microbiota"

Stating, “Our skin microbiota is the guardian, and even insurance of our skin health,” Yeditepe University Kozyatağı Hospital Dermatology Specialist and Assoc Dr. Özlem Akın gave the following information: “Our body consists entirely of trillions of microorganisms called microbiological flora. Beneficial microorganisms are called benign and harmful ones are called malignant or 'pathogenic'. If there is a balance (homeostasis) between benign and malignant microorganisms, our immune system will be strong and we will be healthy. On the contrary, when there is an imbalance (Dysbiosis), regional or systemic diseases can be seen. This is true for our skin as well as our entire body.”

Assoc. Dr. Akın pointed out that while the skin microbiota does not cause disease in healthy skin, it can become pathogenic when the skin barrier is damaged, and stated, “Microorganisms that never exist in the flora, but become harmful when they infect human skin, can cause diseases. In summer, heat and humidity can lead to an increase in these microorganisms. In addition, suppression of the immune system by drugs, viruses, and other diseases (immunosuppression) is among the risk factors in advanced ages. Being overweight is another risk factor.”

The Skin Microbiota Can Vary in Different Parts of the Person

Stating that the skin microbiota can vary between people according to age and gender, even in different parts of the same person's body, Assoc. Dr. Özlem Akın said, “While the microbiota is slightly different in the fold areas, which are the areas where the skin touches the skin, under the armpits, between the breasts, under the breasts, in the groin, between the hips, and between the fingers, the microbiota is different in the drier parts without fold areas. The diseases that appear here also show differences. In the fold areas, if the immune system has fallen or good hygiene has not been provided, diseases and stains can be seen in some way. For this reason, keeping these areas as dry as possible, reducing humidity as much as possible, and paying attention to hygiene will be an important factor in preventing such diseases.”

Pay Attention to the Ph Value of Skin Care Products!

Underlining that the deterioration of the skin barrier does not always result in infection, Assoc. Dr. Özlem Akın added that it is a factor that facilitates infection. Stating, “Especially when non-pathogenic bacteria living on our healthy skin are disturbed, they may enter this area and cause complaints such as redness, swelling, pain, and discharge in the area in question”, Dr. Akın emphasized that in order to protect the skin barrier, it is necessary to pay attention to the pH ratio of the skin care products used.

Foot Odor Is Caused by Bacteria 

Assoc. Dr. Özlem Akın reminded us that the cause of foot odor is also bacteria and gave the following information: “Feet have an average of 600 sweat glands per centimeter. This number is much higher than under the armpits. When the bacteria in the foot area have the opportunity to multiply excessively, the fatty acids they produce cause foot odor. The resulting odor disturbs both the person himself/herself and the people around him/her. It is possible to prevent this annoying situation with many simple precautions. Wearing cotton socks, choosing shoes that allow the feet to breathe, and regular use of antifungal medications in addition to foot cleaning will help prevent foot odor if there is a skin problem such as a fungal infection.”

The Balance of Bacteria in the Mouth May Also Be Disrupted

Saying, “It is also necessary to pay attention to the balance of bacteria in the mouth”, Dr. Akın continued her words as follows: “Our oral cavity is home to thousands of different types of microorganisms and is the only place in our body where the most diverse species can coexist in the smallest space. A type of yeast fungus called 'Candida Albicans' is most commonly seen in the mouth area. A weakened immune system is one of the main causes of candida formation. In addition, diabetes and the use of some medications, especially antibiotics, cause the formation of mouth fungus. Candida, also known as 'thrush' among people due to its white appearance, does not usually cause serious problems in healthy people. However, thrush treatment can be challenging in people with weakened immune systems.”

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