The skin microbiota contains bacteria such as *Staphylococcus epidermidis* and *Cutibacterium acnes* that produce antibacterial bacteriocins and bacteriocin-like compounds. These compounds target and kill other potential pathogens while leaving *S. epidermidis* and *C. acnes* unaffected.

Amensalism with *Staphylococcus epidermidis* and *Cutibacterium acnes* in skin microbiota

The bacterium *Staphylococcus epidermidis* benefits by using dead human skin cells as nutrients, typically without affecting the human host. However, this relationship is not always distinctly commensal; it can also be viewed as mutualism because *S. epidermidis* produces bacteriocins that can defend the human host against potential pathogens.

Commensalism with *Staphylococcus epidermidis* and humans

Some microorganisms live on the skin and use sweat and sebum as a source of nutrition. These microbes often secrete antimicrobials to try and prevent other organisms from colonizing and infecting the skin.

Austin Community College

University of Southern Mississippi

Skin & Eye

https://openstax.org/details/books/microbiology/

Microbiology covers the scope and sequence requirements for a single-semester microbiology course for non-majors. The book presents the core concepts of microbiology with a focus on applications for careers in allied health. The pedagogical features of the text make the material interesting and accessible while maintaining the career-application focus and scientific rigor inherent in the subject matter. Microbiology’s art program enhances students’ understanding of concepts through clear and effective illustrations, diagrams, and photographs.

Microbiology is produced through a collaborative publishing agreement between OpenStax and the American Society for Microbiology Press. The book aligns with the curriculum guidelines of the American Society for Microbiology.

OpenStax Microbiology Textbook

The skin is made up of three different layers: 
- Epidermis
- Dermis
- Hypodermis.

Layers of the Skin

Bacterial Infections of the Skin and Eyes

Viral Infections of the Skin and Eyes

Fungal Infections of the Skin and eyes (Mycoses)

There is a variety of parasitic protozoans and helminths use the skin or eyes as their main portal of entry by physically burrowing into the skin or the mucosa to breach the skin barrier if there is a break in the skin it makes it easier for parasitic entry.

Protozoan and Helminthic Infections of the Skin and Eyes

Infections of the skin can result in different types of skin lesions, including:
- Crust
- Cyst
- Macule
- Papule
- Pustule
- Ulcer
- Vesicle
- Wheal
- Abscess
- Bulla
- Carbuncle
- Folliculitis
- Furuncle (boil)
- Pseudocyst
- Purulent
- Pyoderma
- Suppurative

Types of Skin Lesions

The eye is in direct contact with the environment, making it susceptible to infection. To prevent infection, the following anatomy of the eye are important: 
- Nasolacrimal drainage system
- Conjunctiva

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