Epidermal barrier impairment predisposes for excessive growth of the allergy-associated yeast Malassezia on murine skin.

This study provides evidence that structural and metabolic changes in the dysfunctional epidermal barrier environment provide increased accessibility and an altered lipid profile, to which the lipid-dependent yeast adapts for enhanced nutrient assimilation. Our findings reveal fundamental insights into the implication of the mycobiota in the pathogenesis of common skin barrier disorders.