The present disclosure provides recombinant Staphylococcus bacterium (e.g. S. epidermidis) that are dependent on D-alanine for growth. In one aspect, the disclosure features a recombinant Staphylococcus bacterium comprising two inactivated alanine racemase genes (alr1 alr2); and an inactivated D-alanine aminotransferase (dat) gene. In another aspect, the disclosure features a method of making the recombinant Staphylococcus bacterium. In another aspect, the disclosure features a method of treating or preventing a rash in a subject, comprising administering to the subject a population of the recombinant Staphylococcus bacterium of any one of the aspects or embodiments described herein, in an effective amount to treat or prevent the rash in the subject.

The present invention provides isolated plasmids, recombinant microorganisms, kits, and methods for the treatment of inflammatory skin disease.