The Probiotics for Eczema Rumour

Rumour: Probiotics help relieve eczema symptoms.

Truth: This is true.

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease causing irritated, itchy skin. It is common in children, as up to 20% of children around the world are likely to develop eczema. Children with eczema are more likely to develop other disorders like asthma and chronic sinusitis. Intense inflammation of eczema is associated with an imbalanced immune response.

Researchers published a study in JAMA Dermatology on whether oral probiotics can be effective in treating eczema. A total of 50 children between the ages of 4 to 17 with moderate atopic dermatitis participated in this study over a 12-week period. Among the patients, 96% who took the probiotic capsule showed improvements.

To read more about this study and atopic dermatitis, click here.

Reference

1. Navarro-López V, Ramírez-Boscá A, Ramón-Vidal D, et al. Effect of oral administration of a mixture of probiotic strains on SCORAD index and use of topical steroids in young patients with moderate atopic dermatitis. JAMA Dermatology. 2018;154(1):37. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2017.3647