Huang Y, Liu J, Zhang X, et al. - Damaged skin barrier function and skin dysbacteriosis may be related to the occurrence of senile pruritus, however, their role still require further study.

• This study involved 30 patients with senile pruritus and 30 age- and gender-matched healthy controls.

• Significantly lower skin hydration and higher pH value was detected in patients vs healthy controls.

• In patients, significant increase in skin microbial diversity was evident according to the alpha diversity.

• At the genus level, increase in Acinetobacter and Lactobacillus and decrease in Cutibacterium was identified.

• There was a positive link of the pH value with observed species diversity.

• Negative association of transdermal water loss with the genus of Lactobacillus while positive correlation of skin hydration with the genus of Lactobacillus was evident.

• As a consequence, the damaged skin barrier function and skin dysbacteriosis complemented each other.