Classification of the skin flora | The skin flora

Classification of the skin flora

One can divide the skin flora into a transient and a resident colonization. Literally, the terms “transient” and “resident” are used. While the resident flora permanently colonizes the skin, the microorganisms of the transient flora only occur temporarily, for example by transmission from other people.

As long as the transient flora does not throw the resident flora out of balance, there is no danger. In certain quantities and under various influences, however, the transient flora can be pathogenic. For this reason, hygienic hand disinfection, as it is done in hospitals, tries to remove mainly the transient flora.

The most important germ species that form the skin flora are staphylococci, corynebacteria, propionibacteria and some fungi on the skin of the feet. Among the temporary flora are above all Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridia, mycobacteria, coliform bacteria and other enterobacteria. The negatively connotated term germ generally refers to all microorganisms that cause illness.

The germs of the skin flora, however, designate any microorganisms that are resident or temporarily living there, making ill or not. Through contact with environmental factors or other people, pathogenic germs can also settle in the healthy skin flora. If the barrier function of the skin is disturbed, the healthy germ density is too low or the human defense system is weakened, these germs can lead to diseases.

At present, MRSA germs are mainly of concern to hospitals. MRSA (Multiresistant Staphylococcus aureus) is also a normal skin germ that only causes illness if the normal skin function is weakened. It falls under the term transient skin flora.

A variety of diseases can be triggered by the germs’ penetration into the body. The most relevant diseases in everyday hospital life are wound infections and infections of invasive accesses. Before the skin barrier is broken through an invasive method, the skin area must be thoroughly disinfected to prevent germs of the skin flora from entering the body.Disinfection is necessary before operations, but also before placing venous accesses, bladder catheters and any other catheters, and before taking blood samples.