Study Reveals Probiotic Therapy Helps Relieve Eczema

The National Institutes of Health study has found an experimental treatment for eczema.

Children as young as 3 years of age were treated with probiotic skin therapy. Results showed that by modifying the skin microbiome, the severity of symptoms was reduced thereby increasing their quality of life.

The general idea in the use of topical probiotic therapy is to build a healthier, more diverse skin microbiome in people who suffer from eczema. The therapy involves introducing the right strains of bacteria onto the skin, wherein the "good" bacteria can help keep the harmful "bad" strains of bacteria in check. 

In this experimental therapy, Roseomonas mucosa - a bacterium naturally present on the skin, is added into the probiotic treatment. The affected areas of eczema of these participants involved in the clinical trial were periodically applied with this probiotic therapy for four months. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) led this probiotic study and suggested that R. mucosa therapy may help with reducing the burden of eczema symptoms and the need for daily treatment.

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The dosing strategy was spraying a solution of sugar water containing live R. mucosa onto areas of skin with eczema twice weekly for three months and every other day for an additional month. Regardless of the dosage given, there were no adverse effects attributed to the therapy.

NIAID's Ian Myles, M.D., principal investigator of the trial noted that most children in the study reported substantial improvements in their skin and overall wellbeing. With R. mucosa therapy, the therapeutic bacteria continued to provide benefits even after discontinuing the therapy as the R. mucosa strains were found to remain on the skin for up to eight months. 

The scientists observed better skin barrier function, increasing the ability of the skin to seal in moisture and keep out allergens. Children also needed fewer corticosteroids and reported less itching following the therapy. 

The NIAID researchers found that skin treated with the probiotic therapy had increased microbial diversity and reduced levels of Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium known to exacerbate eczema. 

(Photo: pixabay)

What is Atopic Dermatitis?

Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by red, itchy, and dry skin. It is usually common among children but affects people of any age.

Normal, healthy skin can retain moisture and protect you from irritants and allergens. In people who have eczema, there is a gene variation in the skin that hinders its ability to provide this protection. 

Currently, there is no cure yet for this condition, although there are available lotions and self-care measures to relieve the symptoms associated with this disease, atopic dermatitis can be persistent. And even with successful treatment, signs and symptoms may still return（flare-ups）.

Self-care measures may include applying moisturizers daily, the use of mild soaps, and the application of creams or ointments. 

While topical probiotics may help improve the severity of eczema, they should not totally replace the use of conventional eczema treatments and regular moisturizers.

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