Skin basics
: What is the main function of the skin?
To protect the body from germs, sunlight, and water loss.
What does “microflora” mean?
A: Microorganisms that naturally live on the skin.
what is PH of our skin ?
The skin's pH is naturally mildly acidic , ranging from about4.7 to 5.75
What type of microbe causes tinea versicolor (discolored skin patches)?
A: A fungus — Malassezia furfur.
Is it true that those people who own dogs share similar skin microbes with them?
A: Because microbes are transferred through physical contact.
What layer of the skin produces new skin cells?
A: The epidermis.
: Name one common bacteria that lives on our skin.
Staphylococcus epidermidis.
Q: Which bacteria is known to cause acne when overgrown?
A: Cutibacterium acnes.
Which bacterium causes impetigo, a contagious skin infection?
A: Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes.
What happens to skin microflora when someone moves to a new country?
A: It gradually adapts to local climate, food, and environment.
Q: What do sweat glands help the body do?
Cool down the body temperature.
Q: What’s the difference between resident and transient microflora?
Resident live permanently; transient stay for a short time.
Q: How do good bacteria communicate to keep harmful ones under control?
A: Through a process called quorum sensing, where bacteria send chemical signals to regulate behavior.
8️⃣ Q: Two people have the same type of acne bacteria (Cutibacterium acnes), but only one gets pimples.
A: The second person’s immune system or skin balance keeps the bacteria under control.
5️⃣ Why do newborns have a completely different skin microflora than adults?
A: Their skin is still developing, and microbes are gained from contact with the mother and environment.
Q: What is sebum, and why is it important?
It’s an oily substance that keeps skin soft and protects from bacteria.
Which type of microorganism is Malassezia?
A fungus (yeast).
Why might using too many cosmetic or antibiotic products lead to dysbiosis on the skin
A: Because they destroy beneficial microbes, upsetting the natural microbial balance and allowing pathogens to dominate.
There are three things fungi need to grow? ideally
Darkness, moist, temprature.
Q: Which body part has the fewest microbes — palms, armpits, or scalp?
palms
Q: How does the skin act as part of the immune system?
It contains immune cells that detect and fight invading microbes.
Why do different parts of our body have different microflora?
A: Because each area (dry, oily, moist) provides different environments for microbes.
What does the term “commensal bacteria” mean?
A: Bacteria that live on the body without harming it sometimes even helping it.
: An athlete shares towels and shoes with others and develops an itchy rash between toes.
A: Athlete’s foot (fungal infection), spread through contact and moisture.
Scientists compare the skin microbiome to a “rainforest.” Why
A: Because it’s a complex, balanced ecosystem where many species coexist.