House dust containing S. aureus may worsen atopic dermatitis.

The article reports that higher levels of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) may contribute to the severity of disease and persistence in people with atopic dermatitis. S. aureus worsens atopic dermatitis through the secretion of superantigens and structural molecules in the cell wall. The presence of S. aureus in the home contributes to persistent skin inflammation and disease severity.