The role of gut in dermatological diseases: A literature review

Abstract

The skin and gut, as interface organs, are in harmonious balance of several microbial communities, indispensable for maintaining homeostasis. Therefore, it’s not surprising that intestinal alterations express cutaneous manifestations. We aimed to review the literature to understand the mechanisms involved in intestinal dysfunction with dermatological diseases, and to formulate strategies to reestablish skin health from an integrative point of view. Scientific literature was reviewed in PubMed and Scielo databases, between 2001 and 2019. The gut microbiota is responsible of nutrients and neurotransmitters synthesis and absorption, protection against pathogens and their toxic metabolites, and for modulating the expression of inflammatory proteins directly influencing skin immune response. Its composition and function depend on internal and mainly external factors. It’s been demonstrated the importance of diet, medication intake, psychosocial stress and environmental interaction as gut dysfuntion factors that can affect skin balance. Understanding these mechanisms will result in different strategies for modulating microbial populations and promoting health.