The microbiota skin may contain an effective antibiotic for atopic dermatitis. A study in Science Translational Medicine reveals that peptides are obtained from bacteria of human cutaneous flora that specifically removed infection by Staphylococcus aureus.

From symbiotic bacteria to the host organism, in this case human skin, a group of scientists from the University of California at San Diego (UCSD) developed customized lotions that served to fight against colonization of S. aureus. The creams were administered in five patients with atopic dermatitis, infection occurs in 20 percent of the population at some point in life.

Peptides are one type of antibacterial agent which also produces the human immune system , but those isolated microorganisms were more effective in removing S. aureus human peptides themselves.

When two such peptides administered in combination results were enhanced . Richard Gallo, professor of dermatology at UCSD and lead author of the study, noted that “this strategy of treating bacterial pathogens attacks in different ways at once”, which favors its use in bacterial resistance.

This method could be used to prevent skin infections without resorting to broad spectrum antibiotics.