Bacterial cellular components and stratum corneum

Bacterial cellular components and stratum corneum refers to the dual environment where topical dermatological drugs exert their effects, rather than a single molecular entity. The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the skin, consisting of keratin-filled corneocytes that provide a vital physical and chemical barrier against the environment (StatPearls, 2023). Bacterial cellular components encompass various structures such as the cell wall, ribosomes, and enzymes that are essential for pathogen survival and are the primary targets for antibiotics (PubMed, 2021). For a topical treatment to be effective, it must successfully partition into and diffuse through the lipid-rich stratum corneum to reach the site of infection (NIH, 2022). Common drugs interacting with this site include mupirocin, which inhibits bacterial protein synthesis, and bacitracin, which disrupts cell wall formation. This composite term is frequently used to describe the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of skin-directed anti-infectives. However, it is considered an incorrect designation for a specific therapeutic target because it conflates human tissue with multiple distinct bacterial structures. Consequently, it represents a therapeutic area or site of action rather than a single receptor or enzyme.

Other names

Skin barrier and bacterial structuresEpidermal barrier and bacterial components

Topical antimicrobial action involving the penetration of the epidermal barrier followed by the inhibition of bacterial metabolic processes or structural integrity.