BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- It's enough to make your skin crawl. Government researchers have found hundreds of species of bacteria living on the human body.

Bacteria living in the gut help regulate digestions, but little is known about the state of bacteria on the skin.

Researchers took samples from 10 healthy volunteers at different locations on the body -- oily spots such as the face and ear, moist areas such as the armpit and behind the knee, and dry regions such as the forearm and palm.

They found around 1,000 species of bacteria in all -- but the micro organisms clustered in their preferred environments, some in the dry locations while others thrive in oily areas.

So what are they doing there? Scientists are still working that part out, but they said that the tiny bugs likely help keep skin healthy by feeding on dead cells and preventing the invasion of more harmful bacteria.

Researchers also hoped that studying the natural state of skin bacteria will provide insight into fighting various skin diseases, such as eczema and psoriasis.