Eczema probiotics

Probiotics are the first compounds tested to treat allergic disease, which are based on the concept of the hygiene hypothesis. The preliminary results have shown that the use of probiotics reduces the risk of the development of atopic eczema however, additional clinical trials are needed before their approval for use in a wider population. Other immunomodulatory compounds derived from bacteria (CpGs), mycobacteria and helminths are also being tested to prevent allergic disease. 

Isolauri, E., Arvola, T., Sutas, Y., Moilanen, E., and Salminen, S. 2000. Probiotics in management of atopic eczema. Clin Exp Allergy 30 1605-1610. 

In the first clinical demonstration of specific probiotic strains modifying the changes related to allergic inflammation (i.e. tertiary prevention), a randomised double-blind controlled trial was carried out in Finland. A small number of infants who manifested atopic eczema while exclusively breast-feeding were weaned to probiotic supplemented Bifidobacterium lactis or Lactobacillus) extensively hydrolysed whey formulas, or to the same formula without probiotics. A significant improvement in skin condition occurred in patients given probiotic-supplemented formulas. The concentration of soluble CD4 in serum and eosinophilic protein X in urine were reduced, indicating that probiotics may counteract inflammatory responses beyond the intestinal milieu [186(Ib)]. 

Isolauri E, Arvola T, Sutas Y, Moilanen E, Salrrrrnen S Probiotics in the management of atopic eczema. Clin Exp Allergy 2000 30 1604—1610. 

Kalhomaki, M., Salminen, S., Poussa, T., Isolauri, E. (2007). Probiotics during the first 7 years of life a cumulative risk reduction of eczema in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 119(4), 1019-1021. 

Wickens, K., Black, P. N., Stanley, T. V, MitcheU, E., Fitzharris, R, Tannock, G. W., et al. (2008). A differential effect of 2 probiotics in the prevention of eczema and atopy a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immurwlogy, 122(4), 788-794. 

Certain probiotic strains have been shown to stimulate the immune system in a beneficial, non-inflammatory manner. Such strains have also been shown to relieve the symptoms of allergic conditions such as atopic eczema and bovine milk protein intolerance in human feeding studies. The mechanisms underlying such beneficial modulation of immune response have not yet been fully elucidated. 

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