ABSTRACT
Microorganisms comprising the skin flora are found on the skin surface and in the pilosebaceous ducts. Healthy individuals harbor limited numbers of bacteria at any given skin site; the total numbers are made up of a uniform range of species. At birth, the newborn is virtually free of bacteria, but the skin quickly acquires typical ‘‘normal flora’’ in a remarkably consistent manner (1). The neonate is exposed to bacteria from the mother’s vaginal and fecal microflora during birth and then from the external environment. Conventionally, cutaneous bacteria are classified as ‘‘residents’’ or ‘‘transients.’’ To qualify as residents, organisms must be able to multiply on the skin, not merely survive there. The transient bacteria are merely present on the skin and, depending on several ecological factors, may or may not become residents.
