Dermal exposure to the immunomodulatory antimicrobial chemical triclosan alters the skin barrier integrity and microbiome in mice

Triclosan is an antimicrobial chemical used in healthcare settings that can be absorbed through the skin. Exposure to triclosan has been positively associated with food and aeroallergy and asthma exacerbation in humans and, although not directly sensitizing, has been demonstrated to augment the allergic response in a mouse model of asthma. The skin barrier and microbiome are thought to play important roles in mediating inflammation and allergy and disruptions may contribute to development of allergic disease. To investigate potential connections of the skin barrier and microbiome with immune responses to triclosan, SKH1 mice were dermally exposed to triclosan (0.5-2%) or vehicle for up to 7 consecutive days.